Theodoros Kelesidis

Dr. Theodoros Kelesidis is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, where he leads the Kelesidis Lab. His research focuses on the complex interplay between viral infections (particularly HIV and SARS-CoV-2), cardiovascular disease, and metabolic health. With over 100 publications spanning nearly two decades, his work bridges basic science and clinical applications to understand how chronic infections disrupt lipid metabolism and promote inflammation.

Dr. Kelesidis's primary research interests center on HIV/AIDS complications, especially cardiovascular manifestations associated with antiretroviral therapy. He has extensively studied HDL dysfunction in HIV patients and its contribution to accelerated atherosclerosis. His laboratory investigates how oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction drive disease progression in chronic viral infections, with recent work expanding to examine SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and interactions with pre-existing metabolic conditions.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on therapeutic interventions targeting oxidative stress pathways. His work demonstrates how mitoquinone mesylate and ApoA-I mimetics can reduce inflammation in both HIV and coronavirus infections. The consistent use of humanized mouse models alongside clinical studies highlights his commitment to translational research that directly impacts patient care.

Dr. Kelesidis has been actively involved in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), particularly study A5260s, which examines metabolic and inflammatory changes following antiretroviral therapy initiation. His collaborative research spans multiple institutions, indicating leadership within larger research networks focused on HIV complications and cardiovascular health.

The Kelesidis Lab utilizes advanced techniques including biochemical fluorometric methods to assess HDL redox activity and flow cytometric approaches to study cellular transfection. His team investigates how lifestyle factors like smoking and vaping affect viral pathogenesis and treatment outcomes, with implications for improving long-term health in people living with HIV and those recovering from COVID-19.