Daniel Blanco-Melo, PhD

Dr. Daniel Blanco-Melo studies the biological mechanisms that animals have deployed throughout evolution to combat viral infections. He explores how changes in our antiviral strategies are driven by the constant struggle with past and current viral infections. The Blanco-Melo Lab’s research is focused on the many complex biochemical processes that are activated within cells upon infection. His group studies important human viruses, such as influenza A and SARS-CoV-2, as well as ancient viral pathogens and the impact of those past agents on the evolution of animal immunity. Dr. Blanco-Melo’s lab uses a combination of molecular biology, genetics and advanced computational techniques to better define and exploit our highly evolved antiviral responses, which can help in the design of drugs against both current and emerging viral threats.