Blossom Damania

Damania’s research has revealed significant insights into how oncogenic human viruses evade host immunity and promote carcinogenesis. She identified novel viral proteins that blunt host immune responses, and other viral proteins that activate cell pathways critical for virus-mediated oncogenesis. Her work has identified key cellular factors that are necessary to keep a virus latent in the human host. Some of her basic research discoveries have also helped guide clinical trials against multiple viral cancers. Her collective work has significance for the development of treatments and vaccines for infectious disease.