Dr. Ye is a structural virologist and nanobody discovery scientist whose research focuses on viral entry mechanisms in pathogens of global health importance, including coronaviruses, filoviruses, and arenaviruses, and on developing nanobody-based therapeutics that block viral entry.
Dr. Ye investigates how viral glycoproteins interact with host receptors using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. He also employs phage display to identify neutralizing nanobodies targeting viral glycoproteins. Dr. Ye further defines their inhibitory mechanisms through an integrated approach combining structural biology, biochemical assays, and functional studies. In collaboration with scientists at the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center, he also contributes to the preclinical evaluation of lead nanobody candidates, with the goal of advancing them toward clinical application.