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The Institute for Human Genetics and Biochemistry was founded in 1980 as a European center for basic and clinical research on autoimmunity. Laboratories affiliated with the Fondation pour Recherches Medicales and with the Cantonal Hospital of Geneva were directed by Dr. Gaston Zahnd. Laboratories affiliated with The Rockefeller University were directed by Dr. Toby Rodman. Currently, the Institute is under the direction of Dr. Cynthia Bristow, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College.
Early investigations led to the discovery that natural antibodies reactive with protamine, a protein unique to sperm, also react with HIV-1 Tat, a protein required for HIV-1 replication. Ongoing studies have further demonstrated that antibodies reactive with HIV-1 Tat regulate CD8+ lymphocyte numbers. In addition, antibodies reactive with the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120, also react with the blood protein α1Proteinase Inhibitor (α1PI, α1antitrypsin), a protein that regulates CD4+ lymphocyte numbers.
Our mission is to discover and develop diagnostic and therapeutic methods for intervention in immune dysfunction including HIV-1 disease.
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"As a neophyte graduate student in 1979, I had a chance to speak with Dr. J.A. Bellanti, Georgetown University, and I asked what advice he might have for someone who wanted to make a difference as an immunologist. His answer was simple, but poignant; "Learn as much as you can about everything." This seemed a bit voluminous to me at the time, but as I trudged along working with and learning from great pioneer immunologists such as Al Sabin, Hugh Fudenberg, Carlo Croce, Ralph Steinman, Tony Fauci, Bob Gallo, and many others, breathing in that special air, I began to realize that the passion with which they sought to improve the lot of us all required leaving no stone unturned. It is in the spirit of this great hunt for medicines that the Institute is investigating the interactions of human blood cells in immune reactivity." |
Members Webmail
For more information contact labortory@ihgb.org | Phone: 212 746 2989 | linkedin.com/in/cindbristow
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