Host Immunity Associated with HIV-1 Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Induction in Neonatal Rhesus Macaques

Dr. Williams' research at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute is focused on understanding host immunity, particularly B cell-derived antibody responses to HIV infection in humans, and Simian-HIV (SHIV) infections in non-human primates (NHPs) that serve as animal models for human HIV-1 infection.He recently has established a neonatal model for induction of HIV-1 envelope-reactive broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) and is investigating the mechanisms of neonatal immunity that are associated with bNAb induction. Dr. Williams has been an investigator of a number of program grants and large consortium grants for HIV-1 vaccine development and basic immunology. Thus, he has experience in leadership positions and has a passion for translational science research that may yield effective therapies against a myriad of infectious diseases such as HIV-1.