Yasuko Mori, PhD, Professor of Clinical Virology at the Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine was awarded the HHV-6 Foundation’s Dharam Ablashi Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th International Conference on HHV-6 & 7.
Philip Pellett, PhD, presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Yasuko Mori, PhD.
A protégé of Koichi Yamanishi, PhD who was the first to tie HHV-6B to roseola, Dr. Mori started her career as an ophthalmologist but soon because interested in herpes simplex induced keratitis.
“Her study of the viral entry properties that complex set of interactions led to the description of the tetramers has helped many others in the field,” said Philip Pellett, PhD, in announcing the award. “She is a leader who has always been in the forefront of herpesvirus virology."
Dr. Mori published many seminal studies on varicella virus, herpes simplex virus and HHV-6. Among her lab’s many important accomplishments:
- The discovery of CD134 as the receptor for HHV-6B
- Humanization of two neutralizing antibodies to HHV-6B
- Identification of a vaccine and immunotherapy target for HHV-6B
In presenting her award, Phil Pellett referenced the “beautiful” nature of her elegant studies.
“Her study of the viral entry properties, including sorting out the complex expression of, and interactions among viral glycoproteins, led to her discovery and description of the HHV-6 glycoprotein tetramers. She has shared information and important reagents that have helped many others in the field,” said Philip Pellett, PhD, in announcing the award. “She is a leader who has long been at the forefront of herpesvirus virology."
“I have been studying it since 1997. I love HHV-6” responded Dr. Mori as she accepted the award.