Ragon Institute

Lab Overview

The Lichterfeld lab studies HIV-infected cells that persist despite currently available antiretroviral therapy. These cells, frequently termed “HIV reservoir cells” represent the main barrier against a cure of HIV infection. Information gleaned from these studies will help us better understand how the immune system may target and eventually eliminate these cells. In this context, we use novel single-cell assays in combination with bioinformatics approaches to evaluate the susceptibilities and vulnerabilities of viral reservoir cells. We also focus on analyzing their responsiveness to clinical interventions in human clinical trials. A particular area of programmatic emphasis is the analysis of viral reservoirs and antiviral immune responses in infected neonates, children, and teenagers, in whom novel approaches for HIV cure and eradication may be most consequential.