Vinayaka R. Prasad

Vinayaka R. Prasad, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he conducts cutting-edge research on HIV-1 virology and pathogenesis. His work focuses on understanding viral replication mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of novel models for studying HIV infection and its complications.

Dr. Prasad's research interests center on HIV-1 molecular biology, particularly reverse transcriptase function, viral fitness determinants, and host genetic factors influencing HIV disease progression. His laboratory investigates subtype C HIV-1, which is predominant in regions most affected by the global HIV pandemic, with special emphasis on macrophage-tropic variants and viral interactions with the blood-brain barrier.

His publication portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on HIV molecular mechanisms, with recent work expanding into neurovirology and the development of innovative reporter virus systems. Dr. Prasad has made significant contributions to understanding HIV replication in macrophages and the role of host genetics in viral pathogenesis.

• Principal Investigator on NIH-funded research on CCL2-CCR2b signaling in HIV-1 fitness
• Co-Principal Investigator on the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research
• Lead on Developmental Core supporting early-stage HIV investigators

Dr. Prasad's laboratory is actively engaged in developing innovative research models, including macrophage-tropic reporter viruses and in vitro blood-brain barrier systems, to study HIV replication dynamics and neuroinflammation. His work bridges basic molecular virology with translational applications for improving HIV treatment and prevention strategies.