Peter Palese has made seminal contributions to the delineation of the molecular biology, genetics and epidemiology of RNA-containing viruses. Specifically, he established the first genetic maps for influenza A, B and C viruses, identified the function of several viral genes, and defined the mechanism of neuraminidase inhibitors (which are now FDA-approved antivirals). Dr. Palese also pioneered the field of reverse genetics for negative strand RNA viruses, which allows the introduction of site-specific mutations into the genomes of these viruses. This technique is crucial for the study of the structure/function relationships of viral genes, for investigation of viral pathogenicity and for development of novel vaccines against influenza, including avian influenza. Dr. Palese is a Member of the National Academy of Sciences.

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