معرفی
John Coffin serves as American Cancer Society Research Professor and Distinguished Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine within the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, where he has held continuous appointments since 1982. His research focuses on retrovirus-host interactions, viral DNA integration mechanisms, and endogenous retroviral evolution.
- B.A. in Biological Sciences, Wesleyan University (1967)
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin (1972)
Dr. Coffin's research program investigates retroviral receptor interactions, viral DNA integration specificity, control of viral gene expression, retroviral genetic variation mechanisms, and host-virus coevolution through endogenous proviral fossils. His laboratory employs avian and murine retroviral models to dissect fundamental virological processes relevant to HIV and other retroviral pathogens.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant research themes in HIV reservoir dynamics, endogenous retrovirus expression in cancer, and retroviral taxonomy. His work consistently bridges molecular virology with clinical implications, particularly regarding HIV persistence mechanisms during antiretroviral therapy and the role of clonal expansion in viral reservoir maintenance.
- National Academy of Sciences Member
- American Cancer Society Research Professorship
- Distinguished Professor title at Tufts University
Dr. Coffin directs multiple NIH-funded research programs including the Retrovirus Evolution and Cancer project (2016-2023) and previously led the NCI's HIV Drug Resistance Program. His teaching portfolio includes regular instruction in Animal Virology and graduate seminars since 2013. He maintains active roles as Scientific Advisory Board member at Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and serves on editorial boards for Virology and PNAS.
