Michael Zwick

Michael Zwick is a Professor of Immunology and Microbiology at The Scripps Research Institute. He leads the Zwick Laboratory, focusing on developing HIV vaccines targeting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). His research emphasizes understanding HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) structure-function relationships, MPER epitope recognition, and vaccine design strategies. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Simon Fraser University (1999) and a B.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of British Columbia (1992).

His research highlights include identifying MPER-targeted bnAbs, designing stabilized Env immunogens, and developing vaccine platforms like Membrane Env Liposomes (MELs). He has contributed to structural studies of Env on HIV virions and explores gp41-Gag interactions. Awards include the ICAAC Young Investigator Award (2007) and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Scholarship (2002-2003).

His lab collaborates widely, integrating structural biology, immunology, and virology. Ongoing work includes gp41 epitope studies, MPER antibody germline engagement, and human Ig knockin mouse models. The lab also investigates small molecule HIV entry inhibitors and promotes diversity in scientific training.

• Education: Ph.D., Simon Fraser University (1999); B.S., University of British Columbia (1992)
• Affiliations: Faculty, Graduate Program at TSRI; Editorial Board, Journal of Virology
• Grants/Teams: NIH-funded projects on Env stability, MPER antibody design; collaborations with IAVI, TSRI structural biologists