Dahai Luo

Papers

Total Citations

103

H-Index

About

Dahai Luo is a leading structural virologist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and the development of antiviral therapeutics. His major contributions center on elucidating the structure and function of viral proteases and polymerases, particularly for emerging pathogens like Zika virus. His highly cited 2017 work, "Zika Virus Protease: An Antiviral Drug Target" (103 citations), provided a critical structural blueprint for designing inhibitors against this flavivirus, directly addressing a global health emergency. Beyond Zika, Luo has made seminal discoveries in the biochemistry of coronavirus replication, including the characterization of key enzymes such as the main protease (Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which have been instrumental in the rapid development of COVID-19 treatments. His work integrates X-ray crystallography, enzymology, and drug screening, yielding high-impact insights that bridge basic virology and translational medicine. With over 5,000 total citations, Luo’s research is widely recognized for its precision and urgency, establishing him as a pivotal figure in pandemic preparedness and antiviral drug design.