معرفی
Thomas J. Hope is a Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and McCormick School of Engineering. His research focuses on HIV Cellular Virology, utilizing cell biology approaches to study HIV transmission and prevention. He leads the Hope Lab, which has pioneered imaging techniques for visualizing HIV interactions with cells and tissues.
- PhD: University of California, Berkeley (1988)
- Postdoctoral Fellow: University of California, San Francisco (1992)
Dr. Hope's research centers on HIV Cellular Virology, with emphasis on the cell biology of HIV transmission. His lab has developed advanced imaging techniques for fluorescent labeling of HIV particles and viral proteins, enabling researchers to track virions and infected cells from tissue culture to whole animal models. His work spans from virus entry and assembly to defining the earliest steps of sexual transmission of HIV, with recent expansion into HIV-related mucosal immunology and prevention science. The Hope Lab uses imaging-based tools to define viral and host factors during HIV transmission in physiologically relevant contexts.
Analysis of Dr. Hope's recent publications reveals a strong focus on HIV transmission mechanisms, particularly through mucosal tissues, with increasing attention to SARS-CoV-2 research since the pandemic. His work combines advanced imaging techniques with molecular and cell biology approaches, with significant emphasis on developing prevention strategies including vaccine and microbicide research. The research shows progression from fundamental HIV cell biology to applied prevention science, with growing collaboration across disciplines including immunology, microbiome research, and medical imaging.
- A Wannabe Photographers 30 Year Journey to Image HIV / Keynote Speaker, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) (2022)
Dr. Hope serves in multiple editorial and advisory capacities including as Section Editor for PloS Pathogens (2011-Present), former Editor-in-Chief of AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses (2009-2020), and member of amfAR Scientific Advisory Committee (1999-Present). His research has secured significant funding, including a $17 million NIH grant for HIV prevention research focused on developing an implantable drug delivery system. He co-chairs the AIDS Panel for the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Science Program and participates in the Organizing Committee for Emerging Infectious Diseases of the Pacific Rim.
The Hope Lab utilizes imaging-based tools to define key viral and host players during HIV transmission in physiologically relevant contexts. The lab's approach enables direct visualization of HIV/SIV particles, mucosal tissue barriers, host target or effector cells, and infected cells. This work supports in vivo PK/PD studies using systemic and topical PrEP approaches, providing unique insights into the space and time of the earliest events of HIV transmission and prevention.
