Michael Kay's group studies the HIV entry pathway using a variety of protein design, biochemical and, biophysical techniques and crystallography (in collaboration with Chris Hill’s lab). Kay has a particular interest in applying our emerging understanding of the HIV entry pathway to the development of inhibitors of viral fusion (particularly D-peptides and neutralizing antibodies). In collaboration with Itay Rousso (Weizmann Institute), Kay also studies the relationship between viral mechanical properties and fusion activity. Kay’s group has extensive experience in the biophysical characterization of protein complexes using analytical ultracentrifugation.