David Veesler is a distinguished structural biologist whose pioneering work on viral entry mechanisms has significantly advanced our understanding of infectious diseases. He currently serves as Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Washington, where he holds the Hans Neurath Endowed Chair and functions as an Investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. After earning his PhD in Structural Biology from Aix-Marseille University in France in 2010, he expanded his expertise through a visiting research position at the University of Zurich and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Scripps Research Institute from 2011 to 2014. His transition to the University of Washington in 2015 marked the establishment of an independent research program focused on structural virology and pathogen-host interactions, positioning him at the forefront of emerging infectious disease research.
Dr. Veesler's most impactful contribution came during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when his laboratory rapidly determined the high-resolution structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein using cryo-electron microscopy techniques, identifying ACE2 as the viral receptor and elucidating the molecular architecture of the viral infection machinery. His team's work on the conformational dynamics of the spike protein, particularly the receptor binding domains that alternate between closed and open states, provided critical insights that directly informed the development of effective vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. This structural characterization enabled the identification of neutralizing antibody targets and established the foundation for structure-guided vaccine design approaches that differ significantly from traditional methodologies. His innovative application of cutting-edge structural biology techniques has transformed the field of coronavirus research and accelerated global responses to emerging viral threats.
Building on these breakthroughs, Dr. Veesler continues to lead efforts in developing broadly protective coronavirus vaccines through structure-guided design, with particular focus on MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 variants. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and biochemical techniques to study macromolecular machines involved in viral infection and to engineer potential countermeasures. Through his HHMI investigator role and numerous collaborations, he has become a central figure in the structural virology community, mentoring the next generation of scientists while advancing methodologies that enable detailed characterization of complex biological systems. Current research directions include identifying potent neutralizing antibodies for use as preventative treatments and post-exposure therapies against emerging coronaviruses, demonstrating his commitment to translating fundamental structural insights into practical solutions for public health challenges.
