David Davido

David Davido serves as a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at The University of Kansas, affiliated with the Chemical Biology program. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) pathogenesis and viral lifecycle regulation.

Education:

• Ph.D. from Washington University, St. Louis, MO
• Postdoctoral Fellowships at University of Würzburg, University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard Medical School

Research Focus:
Dr. Davido's laboratory investigates the viral protein ICP0 (Infected Cell Protein 0), which acts as a master regulator of HSV-1's switch between productive and latent infections. Key research areas include:

• Molecular virology of herpes simplex virus
• Mechanisms of viral latency and reactivation
• ICP0 phosphorylation and transactivation functions
• Nuclear domain 10 (ND10) disruption in antiviral responses
• Cellular kinase interactions with viral proteins
• Molecular basis of recurrent herpetic diseases

This work employs biophysical, biochemical, and genetic approaches to identify therapeutic targets for conditions ranging from ocular infections to encephalitis.

Dr. Davido mentors graduate students through the Chemical Biology program and Molecular Biosciences department, utilizing Haworth Hall laboratory facilities. His research provides foundational insights into viral persistence mechanisms with direct relevance to human disease pathology.