Molecular Biology of Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Proteins
Eric Johannsen, MD, is an infectious disease physician and internationally recognized expert on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated diseases. He leads National Institutes of Health-funded research on the molecular biology of EBV.
Research Overview
Dr. Johannsen's research focuses on the molecular biology of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear proteins, their role in the virus lifecycle and the pathogenesis of EBV associated malignancies. Herpesviruses infect their hosts for life and EBV precisely manipulates growth and survival signaling pathways of B lymphocytes, resulting in their immortalization.
Understanding the mechanisms that EBV has evolved to exploit infected cells is an important basis for therapy of EBV associated diseases and offers a unique vantage from which to view and understand complex cellular pathways.
Johannsen Research Page (McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research)