Clinical Trials, Single Cell assays, HIV Cure

Research 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.

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 a 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 senior staff physician in the Infectious Disease Division of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and MGH; a Member of the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard; and an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.