Peter Palese, PhD

The Palese Laboratory focuses on fundamental questions concerning the genetic make-up and biology of viruses, as well as virus-host interactions.  They use molecular biological techniques to understand how viruses replicate and how they interact with cells to cause disease in their hosts.  Emphasis is on the study of RNA viruses, including influenza, paramyxo, and corona viruses.  These are four major research directions in the laboratory at the present time:  (1) by genetically changing influenza viruses via recombinant DNA techniques, they are studying viral genes and gene products to develop a universal influenza virus vaccine; (2) intracellular proteins are identified that interact with viral proteins, and the biological functions of these cellular proteins are studies; (3) attempts are made to develop broad spectrum antivirals and to identify their mechanisms of actions.  

The Palese Laboratory is interested in training students and postdoctoral fellows who will become independent investigators in "molecular" studies of infectious viral diseases.