J.J. Skehel
Papers
1
Total Citations
1,099
H-Index
1
About
J.J. Skehel is a pioneering structural virologist whose work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of influenza virus entry and immune evasion. His research centers on the molecular mechanisms of viral membrane fusion and glycoprotein structure, with a particular focus on the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Skehel's most transformative contribution was solving the first high-resolution crystal structure of the influenza HA, revealing how it undergoes a dramatic pH-induced conformational change to mediate fusion between viral and host cell membranes—a process critical for infection. This landmark work, which has garnered thousands of citations, provided the molecular blueprint for developing antiviral drugs and universal vaccines. Beyond structural biology, Skehel contributed to the development of glycan microarray technology, as evidenced by his highly cited 2004 paper on printed covalent glycan arrays (over 1,000 citations), which enabled high-throughput profiling of glycan-binding proteins. His achievements include election to the Royal Society and receipt of the Royal Medal, cementing his legacy as a giant in virology whose discoveries continue to guide pandemic preparedness and therapeutic design.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Printed covalent glycan array for ligand profiling of diverse glycan binding proteins1,099 citations · 2004