Peter Palese

Leader in the study of influenza viruses whose work laid the foundation for new antivirals and vaccines. Early work established the genetic maps of influenza A, B and C viruses, allowing the assignment of protein products to viral genes and providing the basis for molecular studies which define the contribution of specific influenza virus genes to the virulence of the virus. Subsequently, developed a method for genetic manipulation of influenza viruses. Influenza virus carries a segmented genome of negative-strand RNAs that can freely assort during infection. His reverse genetics, using DNA copies of viral genes, provides total control over the complex genetic make-up of the virus. His method, now widely applied, allows introduction of distinct genetic changes into the viral genome for research purposes and for development of vaccines. Most recently, a leading contributor to the identification of broadly reactive influenza antibodies that can form the basis for a universal influenza virus vaccine.