Christopher W. Peterson

Christopher W. Peterson, Ph.D., serves as a Research Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington and as a Staff Scientist in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of Utah and fellowships at both the UW Department of Global Health and Fred Hutch.

Dr. Peterson's primary research focuses on developing gene therapy strategies for latent HIV-1 infection. His work centers on T cell, B cell, and hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy and gene editing approaches to target persistently-infected cells that remain despite antiretroviral therapy. He extends these approaches to other diseases that evade immune detection, including various viruses and cancers. His research prioritizes developing curative therapies that are both safer and more affordable than lifelong antiretroviral treatment, with special attention to applicability in resource-limited settings where HIV prevalence is high.

His recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on CAR T-cell therapies for HIV persistence, gene editing in large animal models, and innovative approaches to targeting viral reservoirs. His work bridges basic science with translational applications, particularly emphasizing non-human primate models to develop clinically relevant HIV cure strategies.

Dr. Peterson's research program represents a critical intersection of virology, immunology, and gene therapy, with the ultimate goal of developing practical, globally accessible cures for HIV infection.