Biosketch

Thomas Shenk is Professor of Life Sciences, Emeritus, in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton University. He is a virologist, whose interests include the replication, spread and pathogenesis of the herpesvirus, human cytomegalovirus.

Research Interests

I am a virologist, whose primary focus is the herpesvirus, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Upon infection of its human host, HCMV replicates and spreads in some cell types and enters a quiescent, latent state in other cells. I am interested in understanding aspects of the HCMV-host cell interaction that support active viral growth versus latency, as well as the mechanisms by which a cell mounts a protective response to combat the infecting virus.

Membership Type

Member

Election Year

1996

Primary Section

Section 44: Microbial Biology

Secondary Section

Section 22: Cellular and Developmental Biology