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
ALFQ adjuvanted HIV-1 envelope protein vaccination elicits durable functional antibody and cellular responses in nonhuman primates.
Journal Article NPJ Vaccines · December 19, 2025 Adjuvants play an important role in modulating antigen-specific immune responses. We conducted a comparative adjuvant immunogenicity study in Rhesus macaques using HIV-1 subtype B gp120 envelope protein, B.63521, formulated with aluminum hydroxide gel (AH) ... Full text Link to item CiteIgG and Fc Receptor Genetic Variation Associates With Functional Antibody Responses in a DNA and Protein Candidate HIV Vaccine Trial.
Journal Article J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr · December 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: The HVTN108 trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a DNA prime, adjuvanted protein boost HIV vaccine in the United States and South Africa. The underlying factors influencing individual variation in vaccine responsiveness are unknown. ... Full text Link to item CiteResistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies in perinatally infected infants from a Clade C HIV cohort in Mozambique.
Journal Article AIDS · December 1, 2025 Antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively controls HIV replication but adherence in infants and children remains a challenge. This study analyzed broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) resistance in viral isolates from perinatally infected infants from Mozamb ... 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 Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2024 - 2031Transdisciplinary Research in Infectious Diseases to Engage Third-year medical students (TRIDENT) R25
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Genoa (Italy) ·
1985
M.D.