The HIV Obstruction by Programmed Epigenetics (HOPE) Collaboratory aims to both silence and permanently remove HIV from the body, by taking advantage of knowledge about how other viruses have become naturally inactivated over time.
HOPE researchers are focused on a novel “block-lock-excise” approach to find a cure for HIV that doesn’t require continuous treatment. This approach consists of using drugs to block the silent virus from reactivating, and then changing the DNA of latent HIV with gene editing approaches to permanently destroy the virus.
The group is also engaging the community to help ensure that any resulting therapeutics are welcomed—and understood—by people living with HIV.
In August 2021, the HOPE Collaboratory received a $26.5-million grant (UM1AI164559) from the National Institutes of Health under its flagship program on HIV cure research, called the Martin Delaney Collaboratories program.
Patricia Defechereux, PhD
Community Engagement Coordinator, HOPE Collaboratory
Gladstone Institutes
Priti Kumar, PhD
Research Focus 3 Co-Leader, HOPE Collaboratory
Yale University School of Medicine
Lishomwa Ndhlovu, MD, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator, HOPE Collaboratory
Weill Cornell Medicine
Doug Nixon, MD, PhD
Research Focus 1 Co-Leader, HOPE Collaboratory
Weill Cornell Medicine
Sydney Norman
Project Coordinator, HOPE Collaboratory
Gladstone Institutes
Robert Furler O’Brien, PhD
Program Manager, HOPE Collaboratory
Weill Cornell Medicine
Melanie Ott, MD, PhD
Program Director and Co-Principal Investigator HOPE Collaboratory
Director, Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute
Nadia Roan, PhD
Research Focus 2 Co-Leader, HOPE Collaboratory
Senior Investigator, Gladstone Institutes
Susana Valente, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator, HOPE Collaboratory
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
In addition, the HOPE Collaboratory includes 10 members and four consultants from organizations around the world. It also works in partnership with the Last Gift Study at UC San Diego and the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) at the US Military HIV Research Program, as well as with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and industry partners Amgen, Sangamo Therapeutics, and Provirex.
The Collaboratory is led by researchers at Gladstone Institutes, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, and Weill Cornell Medicine. HOPE includes members from 16 institutions around the world, and also works with two pharmaceutical companies with insight into the development of potential therapeutics from the drugs studied in the labs. In addition, clinical groups will help provide data and samples from people living with HIV in the United States, Africa, and Brazil.
Melanie Ott
Director, Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute
Lishomwa Ndhlovu
Weill Cornell Medicine
Susana Valente
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
Your gift to Gladstone will allow our researchers to pursue high-quality science, focus on disease, and train the next generation of scientific thought leaders.
DONATE NOW
A new discovery reveals how a SARS-CoV-2 protein reprograms immune cells to accelerate viral spread—and points to a new strategy for therapeutic intervention.
The fellowship provides three years of funding for graduate students pursuing groundbreaking immunology research.
Takahashi is recognized for his pioneering work translating iPS cell technology into a clinically approved therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
An unprecedented map of 22 million immune cells provides the functional rulebook for virtual biology and next-generation immunotherapies.
Our people are our most important asset. We offer a wide array of career opportunities both in our administrative offices and in our labs.
Open PositionsDiscoveries don’t stay in our labs. Gladstone facilitates spinout companies to advance promising therapies, shortening the path between scientific discovery and helping real patients.
Learn MoreYour gift to Gladstone will allow our researchers to pursue high-quality science, focus on disease, and train the next generation of scientific thought leaders.
Donate Now
