Mark R. Denison, MD, is the Edward Claiborne Stahlman Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. For over 30 years investigators in the Denison Lab have investigated coronavirus replication, pathogenesis, and evolution, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and the current pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). His team has identified multiple critical and unique viral proteins as novel targets for antivirals and virus attenuation, including the proteases, RNA polymerase, and the novel proofreading exonuclease. Since 2013 the Denison research team has focused on antiviral development, directing preclinical testing for coronavirus antivirals including remdesivir and molnupiravir. Ongoing studies in the Denison Lab are identifying new coronavirus targets for inhibition and new antivirals for use against SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemic coronaviruses. Dr. Denison is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Microbiology, and the Association of American Physicians. His greatest awards are the accomplishments of his students, postdoctoral fellows, and other investigators in his lab.
