Clinical trials, single cell assays, HIV cure

Research Overview

The Lichterfeld lab studies HIV-infected cells that persist in infected individuals despite currently available antiretroviral therapy. Information gleaned from these studies will help us better understand how the immune system can eradicate cells infected with HIV and ultimately contribute to finding a cure for HIV infection.

The Lichterfeld lab focuses on multidimensional profiling of HIV-1 reservoir cells – HIV-1-infected cells that persist despite currently available antiretroviral therapy and represent the main barrier to a cure for HIV-1 infection. In this context, we use novel single-cell assays in combination with bioinformatics approaches to evaluate the susceptibilities and vulnerabilities of these cells. It analyzes 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. 

Recognition and Media

Dr. Lichterfeld was named a fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America (FIDSA) and elected a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) in 2015. He is also a permanent member of the HIV Immunopathogenesis and Vaccine Development (HIVD) study section at the NIH Center for Scientific Review.

About

Dr. Mathias Lichterfeld is an infectious disease physician who works as a basic science and translational investigator, a clinical care provider, and a mentor and educator for residents and clinical/research fellows. Dr. Lichterfeld is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Program on HIV Eradication. He is also a staff physician in the Infectious Disease Division of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and MGH; an Associate Member of the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard; and an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.