Dr. Gary Cohen

Biography

Gary H. Cohen, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Microbiology Department at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the entry mechanisms of herpes simplex virus and the structure-function relationships of its viral entry proteins. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of how viruses enter host cells, uncovering the vital role of viral glycoproteins such as gB, gD, gH, and gL in mediating viral entry and pathogenicity. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including three-dimensional structural analysis and mutagenesis to explore the interactions between viral receptors and host cells, and to develop effective vaccine strategies against poxviruses such as vaccinia. In collaboration with other researchers, Cohen aims to elucidate the molecular events that govern virus-host interactions, contributing to both the fundamental understanding of virology and the applied development of therapeutic interventions.

Research Interests