Immune Booster #1: From bench to bedside to beat HIV with Luis Montaner
Jul 2, 2024
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Luis Montaner discusses boosting the immune system against viral diseases/cancer. Topics: HIV cure research challenges, community involvement in research, diversity in science, role of antibodies in immunotherapy.
Importance of community engagement in HIV cure research for effective strategies for virus eradication.
Utilizing CARs and broadly neutralizing antibodies to boost T cell and B cell responses against HIV.
Deep dives
Career Journey and Research Focus
Luis Montanay discusses his career journey from veterinary medicine to HIV cure research. Growing up surrounded by medicine, he was drawn to research. He pursued a doctorate in research focusing on HIV and macrophage biology. This led to his work at the Wistar Institute, engaging in in vitro systems, patient-based research, animal models, and global HIV cure initiatives.
Immune Responses Against HIV
Montanay delves into immune responses against HIV, highlighting efforts to enhance T cell responses with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and emphasize broadly neutralizing antibodies for B cells. The innate immune system, particularly natural killer cells, is explored with the potential use of CARs. Strategies involving cytokine-based treatments like IL-15 and type 1 interferons are also considered.
Community Engagement and Trials
Montanay stresses the importance of community engagement in HIV cure research, involving people living with HIV and advocates in the process. The discussion extends to initiatives for durable suppression and eradication of the virus, including gene therapy and CAR T-cell approaches. The Martin Delaney Collaboratory Program coordinates scientists globally, aiming to understand virus persistence and develop effective strategies for HIV cure.
From the American Association of Immunologists 2024 conference in Chicago, Cindy and Brianne where meet up with Luis Montaner to talk about his career and his research on boosting the immune system to combat viral diseases or cancer progression.