Viruses majorly shape human health, both directly—through infection of human cells—and indirectly—as phages that infect the bacteria of the microbiome.
Our researchers study both human viruses and phages and how they manipulate human health and disease. They are generating rapid diagnostics, innovative vaccines and new drugs and immunotherapies against dangerous viral infections. Our scientists are also developing methods to use phages as therapies to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and promote healthy microbiomes.
Gladstone virologists spearheaded the use of antiretroviral therapy as HIV prophylaxis (PREP). Equipped with two high-security biocontainment labs, Gladstone virologists rapidly responded to COVID-19, developing innovative diagnostic, preventative, and treatment approaches. These include the first host-SARS-CoV-2 interaction map, which identified FDA-approved drugs as potential antiviral treatments, a new “combined” mRNA vaccine with better efficacy, rapid testing devices using CRISPR technology and mobile phones, and virus-like particles that allow scientists to investigate new versions of the virus as they arise.
The institute is also the organizational hub for HOPE, a multinational NIH-sponsored Collaboratory to find a cure for HIV. HOPE scientists aim to convert HIV from a pandemic pathogen into a harmless part of the human genome using advanced epigenetic and gene therapy interventions.
Gladstone scientists are dedicated to mentoring the future generation of scientists interested in virology. Learn more about Gladstone’s training programs.
“Our goal is to discover the most impactful disease mechanisms and translate basic scientific discoveries into better treatments for patients.”
Major Scientific Achievements
Led the Global iPrEX Study, Which Established Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as an Efficient Way to Prevent New HIV Infections
A Gladstone team demonstrated that two antiretroviral drugs, combined in a single tablet, can be used to prevent HIV infection in high-risk populations, providing proof of concept for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The approach has been adopted in San Francisco and worldwide.
Provided First Comprehensive Host-Virus Protein Interaction Maps for HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, SARS-CoV-2, and Other Viruses
By identifying the human proteins that are required for viral infection, scientists may be able to develop broad antiviral drugs that target the host proteins commonly used by many viruses. In addition, this approach could help them identify previously approved drugs targeting human proteins that may be repurposed for antiviral therapy.
Leveraged CRISPR Technology to Develop Rapid Viral Infection Diagnostic Tools
Diagnosing viral infections frequently involves amplifying viral genomes from patient samples, which is time-consuming, expensive, and requires specialized training. Gladstone scientists used CRISPR technology to invent a new technique to detect unamplified viral genomes with just a smartphone camera. This technique could facilitate tracking and controlling viral epidemics, particularly in low-resource settings.
Identified Immune Markers That Are Dysregulated During Long COVID
After a COVID infection, some individuals experience lingering symptoms that can severely disrupt their lives. A Gladstone team analyzed immune signals and blood cells in patients with long COVID, and found that a subset of their T cells were more inflammatory than those in patients who recovered fully from infection. This suggests that by monitoring T cells it may be possible to diagnose long COVID, and hints at potential therapeutic directions.