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David Mahan Knipe is a Professor of Microbiology at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation during DNA virus infections, particularly those involving the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Knipe's lab studies how human cells detect foreign DNA, leading to the activation of transcription and innate immune responses. His research has revealed that the HSV DNA genome is associated with histones in the virion, and upon entry into cells, the nucleocapsid is transported to the nucleus where the dsDNA genome is released. He investigates the host cell's mechanisms to silence viral lytic genes rapidly, utilizing heterochromatin formation. Furthermore, his laboratory has demonstrated how viral proteins can reverse this epigenetic silencing, focusing on neuronal cells and the role of viral non-coding RNAs. Knipe has made significant contributions to understanding the intricate relationships between viral infections and host immune responses, with ongoing projects aiming to enhance vaccine development for genital herpes and improve its immunogenicity for populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Administered by the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS). GRE is not required and will not be considered for BBS, Immunology, and Neuroscience.