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| Name |
Pérez, Daniel R. |
| Location
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University of Georgia |
| Primary Field
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Animal, Nutritional and Applied Microbial Sciences |
| Secondary Field
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Microbial Biology |
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 Research Interests
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Dr. Daniel R. Perez has over 30 years of experience studying how viruses jump between species to better prepare for future pandemics. His research focuses on the pathogenesis and interspecies transmission of influenza viruses. His contributions include playing a pivotal role in developing plasmid-based reverse genetics systems, a technology that has revolutionized the study of influenza viruses. He also provided evidence of the Japanese quail's role in the emergence of avian influenza viruses with expanded host ranges, which led to the banning of quail in live bird markets in Hong Kong. His laboratory made the seminal discovery of the airborne transmission potential of avian influenza viruses in mammals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his lab expanded its scope to include the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in animal models. A key area of his work involves the development of genetically enhanced modified live virus (MLV) vaccines for avian influenza, which are designed to be safe, effective, and protective in poultry. His research also includes the creation of a Jersey dairy cow model for studying H5N1 infection and the development of a novel aerosol chamber to study airborne influenza transmission. Looking ahead, Dr. Perez plans to investigate how influenza A viruses evolve across different host species and further develop a probiotic-based platform to deliver protective nanobodies and peptides against influenza. In addition, his lab is working on an ambitious gene-editing approach to create influenza-resistant animals. |
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