amfAR: Meet the Scientists 2020

In honor of World AIDS Day, please join amfAR for an informative and stimulating discussion with amfAR-funded scientists on their progress toward a cure for HIV.

Thursday, December 3, 2020
8:00—9:00 p.m. EST
A Virtual Event

Moderated by Dr. Rowena Johnston, amfAR VP and Director of Research, the conversation will discuss the work of two amfAR grant recipients, Dr. Jerome A. Zack of UCLA and Dr. Timothy Schacker of the University of Minnesota. Both scientists are attempting to eliminate cells harboring reservoir virus from the body through the use of natural killer (NK) cells.

PANELISTS

Timothy Schacker, M.D.
Vice Dean for Research, Medical School, University of Minnesota

Jerome A. Zack, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor and Department Chair, UCLA

MODERATOR 

Rowena Johnston, Ph.D.
Vice President and Director of Research, amfAR

EVENT TOPIC

Natural Killer Cells: interest in using Natural Killer (NK) Cells as part of a cure for HIV is growing. NK cells are the foot soldiers of the innate immune system, delivering an immediate and potent counterattack against infectious agents such as HIV.

Dr. Schacker recently finished an amfAR project exploring transplantation of NK cells between close relatives as a means of reducing the reservoir in the HIV-positive recipient.

And amfAR recently awarded funding to Dr. Zack, who will compare the ability of normal versus engineered NK cells to eliminate cells harboring reservoir virus from the body. Dr Zack’s work will also feature the insertion of a genetic barcode into viruses so their individual fates can be tracked, and a pharmacologically manipulated drug that will enhance the ability of NK cells to find and destroy HIV-infected cells.