Pioneering Immunology Research

Unlocking Immunity Redefining Health

At the intersection of virology, immunology, and oncology, we investigate the immune mechanisms driving HIV pathogenesis, cancer progression, and lymphatic dysfunction. Our translational research advances toward curative therapies and novel interventions.

25+
Years Combined
200+
Publications
15+
Team Members
Our Research Areas

Multidisciplinary Research Excellence

Our laboratory pursues fundamental and translational research across multiple disease areas, exploring the immune system's role in health and disease.

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HIV & Cure Research

Investigating viral reservoirs, latency mechanisms, and novel curative strategies

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Cancer Immunology

Understanding tumor-immune interactions and developing immunotherapeutic approaches

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Lymphatic System

Exploring lymphatic dysfunction in disease and its therapeutic potential

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NeuroHIV & Cognition

Examining HIV's impact on brain health and neurocognitive function

Aging & Immunity

Studying immune senescence and age-related disease susceptibility

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Epigenetics

Investigating epigenetic regulation of immune responses and viral latency

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HIV & Cure Research

Research Focus

Our HIV cure research program is dedicated to understanding and eliminating viral reservoirs that persist despite antiretroviral therapy. We employ cutting-edge approaches to characterize latent HIV infection and develop strategies for viral eradication.

Key Research Areas

  • Characterization of viral reservoirs in different anatomical compartments
  • Mechanisms of HIV latency establishment and maintenance
  • Development of "shock and kill" therapeutic strategies
  • Immunotherapeutic approaches for viral clearance
  • Stem cell transplantation as a curative approach

Clinical Impact

Our research directly informs clinical trials and therapeutic development, with several ongoing collaborations translating laboratory discoveries into patient care.

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Cancer Immunology

Research Focus

Our cancer immunology program investigates how the immune system recognizes and responds to malignant cells, with emphasis on developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies.

Key Research Areas

  • Checkpoint inhibitor resistance mechanisms
  • Combination immunotherapy approaches

Translational Goals

We aim to bring our discoveries from bench to bedside, focusing on cancers with unmet therapeutic needs.

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Lymphatic System Research

Research Focus

The lymphatic system plays critical roles in immunity, fluid homeostasis, and disease pathogenesis. Our research explores lymphatic dysfunction in various disease contexts.

Key Research Areas

  • Lymphedema pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions
  • Novel biomarker discovery distinguishing lymphatic diseases
  • Lymphatic remodeling in chronic inflammatory diseases
  • Novel imaging techniques for lymphatic function assessment

Clinical Applications

Our findings are informing new approaches to treating lymphatic disorders and preventing disease spread through lymphatic channels.

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NeuroHIV & Cognitive Function

Research Focus

Despite effective antiretroviral therapy, many people with HIV experience neurocognitive impairment. Our program investigates the mechanisms underlying HIV-associated brain pathology.

Key Research Areas

  • HIV persistence in the central nervous system
  • Neuroinflammation and its role in cognitive decline
  • Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in HIV infection
  • Biomarkers for neurocognitive impairment
  • Neuroprotective therapeutic strategies
  • Brain organoid models of NeuroHIV

Impact on Patient Care

Our research aims to develop interventions that preserve cognitive function and improve quality of life for people living with HIV.

Aging & Immune Function

Research Focus

Our aging research program examines how the immune system changes with age and chronic infection, leading to increased disease susceptibility and reduced vaccine responses.

Key Research Areas

  • Immune senescence markers in HIV and aging
  • Inflammaging and chronic inflammation
  • T cell exhaustion and dysfunction
  • Age-related comorbidities in people with HIV
  • Interventions to reverse immune aging
  • Vaccine response optimization in older adults

Public Health Implications

Understanding immune aging has broad implications for managing chronic diseases and improving healthy lifespan.

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Epigenetics & Gene Regulation

Research Focus

Epigenetic modifications play crucial roles in immune cell function and viral latency. Our program uses cutting-edge single-cell and epigenomic approaches to understand gene regulation in disease.

Key Research Areas

  • DNA methylation patterns in HIV latency and reactivation
  • Histone modifications controlling viral gene expression
  • Chromatin accessibility in immune cell differentiation
  • Epigenetic therapies for HIV cure
  • Single-cell epigenomics of immune responses
  • Transgenerational epigenetic effects of infection

Technological Innovation

We employ state-of-the-art technologies including ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and single-cell multi-omics to map the epigenetic landscape of disease.

Meet the Team

Driven by Collaboration

Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in immunology, virology, computational biology, and clinical research.

LN
Professor
Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu, MD, PhD
TP
Assistant Professor
Thomas Premeaux, PhD
PZ
Research Associate
Panagiotis Zagaliotis, PhD
NH
Fellow in Radiology
Nicholas H. Hampilos, MD
SB
Senior Bioinformatician
Scott A. Bowler, MS
ZB
Laboratory Supervisor
Zev Baranov, MS
CF
Research Coordiniator
Courtney Friday, BS
GH
Research Technician
George Hanna, BS
MD
MD/PhD Student
Meghan (Meg) Davis, MS
CB
Graduate Student
Citlalli Tomas Baltazar
Latest Research

Publications

Our research is published in leading scientific journals. Filter by research area below.

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Get in Touch

Contact & Location

We welcome inquiries from prospective students, postdocs, and collaborators.

Contact Information

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Weill Cornell Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
423st 69th Street
New York, NY 10065

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