George K. Lewis

George K. Lewis is the Robert C. Gallo, MD Endowed Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Maryland, where he serves as Deputy Director of the Robert C. Gallo, M.D., Professor in Translational Medicine and Director of the Division of Vaccine Research at the Institute of Human Virology. His primary academic appointment is in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Education and Training:

• B.S. in Biology (Chemistry minor) from University of Mississippi (1970)
• Ph.D. in Immunology from University of Mississippi (1974)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Immunology/Immunochemistry at UCSF (1974-1978)

Research Interests: Dr. Lewis focuses on HIV vaccine development, structural virology, and Fc-mediated antibody effector functions. His work leverages structural biology to understand antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against HIV-1, Ebola, and other viruses. Key areas include: envelope glycoprotein conformation, non-human primate models, and therapeutic antibody engineering.

Publications: His recent articles (2015-2017) predominantly explore HIV-1 envelope protein dynamics, ADCC mechanisms, and vaccine design. Common themes include structural characterization of gp120/gp41 epitopes, antibody effector functions in viral control, and optimization of immunogens for broad neutralization. The research integrates virology, structural biology, and clinical immunology.

Scientific Awards:

• Phi Kappa Phi (1970)
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellowships (1974-1977)
• American Cancer Society Faculty Research Award (1983-1988)
• Robert C. Gallo Endowed Professorship (2016)

Leadership: Dr. Lewis directs the Division of Vaccine Research at IHV, overseeing teams focused on HIV immunology and therapeutic development. He has served on NIH study sections for over 20 years, including as chair of the AIDS Vaccine Research Subcommittee.