Overview
The activities of the Ferrari Laboratory are based on both independent basic research and immune monitoring studies. The research revolves around three main areas of interest: class I-mediated cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), gene expression in NK and T cellular subsets upon infection with HIV-1. With continuous funding over the last 11 years from the NIH and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation along with many other productive collaborations within and outside of Duke, the Ferrari Lab has expanded its focus of research to include the ontogeny of HIV-1 specific immune responses that work by eliminating HIV-1 infected cells and how these can be induced by AIDS vaccine candidates.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Surgery
·
2021 - Present
Surgery, Surgical Sciences,
Surgery
Research Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2021 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute
·
2009 - Present
Duke Human Vaccine Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute
·
2009 - Present
Duke Global Health Institute,
University Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Convergence and divergence of B cell responses in two HIV-1 Env immunizations in Rhesus macaques.
Journal Article Commun Med (Lond) · May 15, 2025 BACKGROUND: Sequential multivalent immunizations are used to counter diversity in rapidly mutating viruses. Here, we evaluated the effect of HIV-1 immunogen formats on the binding profile of memory B-cells elicited in two independent Rhesus macaque trials. ... Full text Link to item CiteA comprehensive engineering strategy improves potency and manufacturability of a near pan-neutralizing antibody against HIV.
Journal Article Structure · May 6, 2025 Anti-HIV envelope broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are alternatives to conventional antiretrovirals with the potential to prevent and treat infection, reduce latent reservoirs, and/or mediate a functional cure. Clinical trials with "first-generation ... Full text Link to item CiteDistinct immune responses in people living with HIV following SARS-CoV-2 recovery.
Journal Article Commun Med (Lond) · April 23, 2025 BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection results in greater disease severity among immunocompromised individuals compared to healthy individuals. However, there is conflicting information about the impact of chronic HIV infection on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Nonhuman Primate Core-Option 6
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2032External Quality Assurance Program Oversight Laboratory (EQAPOL)
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2031HVTN Lab Center: B Cell Supplement
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · 2023 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Genoa (Italy) ·
1985
M.D.