Wei Xie
Northeastern University · Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
Active 2008–2024
About
Wei Xie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University College of Engineering. His research focuses on interpretable artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), computer simulation, data integrity, big data analytics, data-driven stochastic optimization, and blockchain design and development for complex end-to-end cyber-physical systems. His work involves learning and risk management with applications in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chains, smart power grids with renewable energy, and healthcare. Dr. Xie earned his PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences from Northwestern University in 2014. He has received notable honors including the NSF CAREER Award in 2025 and the Constantinos Mavroidis Translational Research Faculty Award in 2023. His contributions include developing mechanism-informed AI for biological systems-of-systems to accelerate biomanufacturing, advancing bioprocess sensor and analytical technologies, and addressing manufacturing systems integration and interoperability. He is actively involved in research projects that aim to improve biomanufacturing processes, optimize large-scale cell culture, and enhance digital twin technologies for risk management and process control.
Research topics
- Virology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Medicine
- Chromatography
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
Selected publications
Communications Biology · 2022 · 70 citations
- Virology
- Biology
- Biochemistry
SARS-CoV-2 has an exonuclease-based proofreader, which removes nucleotide inhibitors such as Remdesivir that are incorporated into the viral RNA during replication, reducing the efficacy of these drugs for treating COVID-19. Combinations of inhibitors of both the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the exonuclease could overcome this deficiency. Here we report the identification of hepatitis C virus NS5A inhibitors Pibrentasvir and Ombitasvir as SARS-CoV-2 exonuclease inhibitors. In the presence of Pibrentasvir, RNAs terminated with the active forms of the prodrugs Sofosbuvir, Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Molnupiravir and AT-527 were largely protected from excision by the exonuclease, while in the absence of Pibrentasvir, there was rapid excision. Due to its unique structure, Tenofovir-terminated RNA was highly resistant to exonuclease excision even in the absence of Pibrentasvir. Viral cell culture studies also demonstrate significant synergy using this combination strategy. This study supports the use of combination drugs that inhibit both the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase and exonuclease for effective COVID-19 treatment.
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy · 2021 · 101 citations
- Virology
- Biology
- Pharmacology
BACKGROUND: Current approaches of drug repurposing against COVID-19 have not proven overwhelmingly successful and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to cause major global mortality. SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, its RNA polymerase, shares homology in the nucleotide uptake channel with the HCV orthologue enzyme NS5B. Besides, HCV enzyme NS5A has pleiotropic activities, such as RNA binding, that are shared with various SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Thus, anti-HCV NS5B and NS5A inhibitors, like sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, respectively, could be endowed with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero cells, HuH-7 cells, Calu-3 cells, neural stem cells and monocytes were used to investigate the effects of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir. In silico and cell-free based assays were performed with SARS-CoV-2 RNA and nsp12 to better comprehend the mechanism of inhibition of the investigated compounds. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was generated to estimate daclatasvir's dose and schedule to maximize the probability of success for COVID-19. RESULTS: Daclatasvir inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero, HuH-7 and Calu-3 cells, with potencies of 0.8, 0.6 and 1.1 μM, respectively. Although less potent than daclatasvir, sofosbuvir alone and combined with daclatasvir inhibited replication in Calu-3 cells. Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir prevented virus-induced neuronal apoptosis and release of cytokine storm-related inflammatory mediators, respectively. Sofosbuvir inhibited RNA synthesis by chain termination and daclatasvir targeted the folding of secondary RNA structures in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Concentrations required for partial daclatasvir in vitro activity are achieved in plasma at Cmax after administration of the approved dose to humans. CONCLUSIONS: Daclatasvir, alone or in combination with sofosbuvir, at higher doses than used against HCV, may be further fostered as an anti-COVID-19 therapy.
Sensors and Actuators B Chemical · 2020 · 375 citations
- Virology
- Chemistry
- Medicine
Frequent coauthors
- 13 shared
Keqi Wang
- 13 shared
Hua Zheng
North China Electric Power University
- 9 shared
Barry L. Nelson
Northwestern University
- 9 shared
Yuan Yi
- 8 shared
Chuanjuan Tao
New York Genome Center
- 8 shared
Xuanting Wang
New York Genome Center
- 8 shared
Pu Zhang
- 8 shared
Steffen Jockusch
Education
- 2014
PhD, Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences
Northwestern University
Awards & honors
- 2025 NSF CAREER Award
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