The Division of Infectious Diseases is at the forefront of basic research, particularly in HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. In HIV/AIDS research, we're exploring the immunopathogenesis and inflammatory aspects of the disease. Researchers are investigating the inflammasome and the impact of drug use on HIV comorbidities, as well as defects in the gastrointestinal tract immune system, which is the largest immune compartment. This research is crucial for understanding how HIV causes inflammation and disrupts normal immune function, even in patients treated for active disease.

Our vaccine research in HIV involves pursuing novel scaffolded vaccine approaches that target key regions of HIV Env, as conventional vaccine approaches have not been successful for HIV. Our faculty are examining how differences in complex glycosylation contribute to vaccine immunogenicity and responsiveness. We are also exploring antibody responses shared with infants through breastmilk and the immune evasive properties of HIV that protect infected cells from the immune system.

In the area of HIV-associated neurocognitive disease, our researchers have pioneered a novel mouse model of HIV in the brain, enabling the study of behavioral complications of HIV infection. An interdisciplinary team has validated a humanized brain and immune system mouse model at Icahn Mount Sinai, which examines human responses to infection in a small animal model.

Our research extends to HIV latency and cure strategies. Researchers are developing genetic models of HIV latency to understand the cell states in different immune cell populations that allow HIV to persist in a latent state. We are also studying reservoirs of HIV in the murine HIV model.

Researchers in this area include:

• Benjamin K. Chen, MD, PhD
• Francesca Cossarini, MD
• Ana Fernandez-Sesma, PhD
• Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, PhD
• Catarina E. Hioe, PhD
• Saurabh Mehandru, MD
• Alice Min, MD, PhD
• Peter Palese, PhD
• Mary Jane Potash, PhD
• Rebecca LR Powell, PhD
• Viviana A. Simon, MD, PhD
• Joseph A. Sparano, MD
• Talia H. Swartz, MD, PhD
• Chitra Upadhyay, PhD
• David J. Volsky, PhD
• Susan Zolla-Pazner, PhD

Our division is actively engaged in translational research to bring laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. Researchers have pioneered clinical trials on the prevention of cardiovascular complications in people living with HIV, addressing a significant comorbidity in this population.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, our researchers are developing and testing innovative vaccine vectors to elicit mucosa-targeted immune responses for preventing future SARS-CoV-2 infections. We are studying behavioral phenotypes in HIV mouse models and therapeutic approaches to treat HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

HIV health outcomes research, epidemiology, and cancer prevention are additional key areas of focus. With individuals on antiretroviral therapy living longer with HIV, the greater incidence of cancers has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality, prompting our researchers to perform clinical studies on approaches to cancer detection and prevention.

In the realm of HIV and infectious disease clinical trials and epidemiology, major advances in antiretroviral treatment and treatment of comorbidities in people with HIV have been pioneered at Icahn Mount Sinai. We are spearheading numerous clinical trials, including first-in-human vaccine vectors to elicit stronger mucosal immune responses. Complementing this, researchers are studying the epidemiology of emerging pathogens and outbreak mitigation, contributing valuable insights to our understanding of disease spread and control.

Investigators in the Clinical and Translational Research Center conducted the first in man study of bispecific dual affinity retargeting (DART molecule, MGD020, that binds to HIV-1-envelope, GP41, for recognition and elimination by CD3-expressing T lymphocytes. Researchers also created a sub-study utilizing biopsies of gut associated lymphoid tissue among study participants at Mount Sinai to evaluate the immunologic and virologic response to this DART molecule.

We are also conducting groundbreaking research on Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of sepsis associated with high mortality rates and frequent treatment failures. Investigators are leading efforts in translational genomic epidemiology of S. aureus, combining genomics and epidemiology to dissect the clinical and epidemiological features associated with S. aureus infections. This research aims to understand the transition from colonization to invasion and subsequent transmission, potentially leading to new targets to reduce the burden of S. aureus disease. Additionally, our division participates in multicenter randomized controlled trials exploring phage therapy as a non-antibiotic adjunctive treatment for S. aureus bloodstream infections, pushing the boundaries of conventional treatment approaches.

Researchers in this area include:

• Judith A. Aberg, MD
• Deena Altman, MD
• Alejandra Borjabad, PhD
• Benjamin K. Chen, MD, PhD
• Francesca Cossarini, MD
• Stephanie H. Factor, MD
• Michael M. Gaisa, MD, PhD
• Jennifer Kelschenbach, PhD
• Sean T. Liu, MD, PhD
• Gopi Patel, MD
• Mary Jane Potash, PhD
• Keith M. Sigel, MD, PhD
• Richard Silvera, MD, MPH
• Joseph A. Sparano, MD
• Talia H. Swartz, MD, PhD
• David J. Volsky, PhD

The clinical research in Division of Infectious Diseases spans across HIV, COVID-19, Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC or long COVID, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox, shingles, pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex, and Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, among others. This diverse portfolio reflects our commitment to addressing both long-standing infectious disease challenges and emerging health crises.

Our experienced team conducts Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials in both inpatient and outpatient settings. One of our current flagship studies sponsored by the NIH, focuses on the therapeutic potential of extended courses of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid for the treatment of long COVID. This innovative approach explores whether longer treatment regimens (15 or 25 days compared to placebo can alleviate the persistent symptoms of long COVID. Our comprehensive assessment includes monitoring changes in cognition, exercise tolerance, and autonomic reflexes, aiming to provide much-needed insights into managing this complex condition.

In response to the mpox outbreak in 2022, we are evaluating the efficacy of the antiviral medication tecovirimat to expand the data regarding treatment options for this emerging infectious disease threat. Our vaccine research extends to exploring novel approaches for preventing common but debilitating conditions. We are currently evaluating the role of an mRNA-based vaccine for varicella-zoster virus in the prevention of shingles, potentially offering a new tool in our arsenal against this painful condition.

Researchers in this area include:

• Judith A. Aberg, MD
• Deena Altman, MD
• Emily Baneman, MD
• Michelle S. Cespedes, MD, MS
• Stephanie H. Factor, MD
• Melissa Gitman, MD, MPH
• Sarah Humphreys, MD, MPH
• Sean T. Liu, MD, PhD
• Valerie Parkas, MD
• Henry Sacks, MD, PhD
• Keith M. Sigel, MD, PhD
• Richard Silvera, MD, MPH
• Emilia M. Sordillo, MD, PhD
• Rhoda Sperling, MD
• Sarah Taimur, MD

Icahn Mount Sinai investigators have made substantial contributions to the field of infection prevention, particularly through their research on the epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Candida auris. Their insights have advanced the management of these difficult pathogens in healthcare settings. By collaborating with various disciplines, they are currently assessing several transmission mitigation strategies: the implementation of UV technology to improve disinfection practices, the application of whole genome sequencing for more informed outbreak management, the integration of technology for enhanced screening for emerging pathogens, and improvements in employee management during respiratory viral surges.

Hospital epidemiologists and infection prevention teams are committed to developing strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections and control the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms through implementation science. Using surveillance data and traditional epidemiology, the research team has driven improvements in the incidence of peripheral and central line associated blood stream infections and hospital-onset Clostridiodes difficile.

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Program was created to stem antimicrobial resistance through safe and high-value patient care. Led by both infectious diseases’ clinical pharmacists and infectious diseases physicians, the program has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Infectious Diseases Society of America since 2018. This team was pivotal in the rollout of therapeutics and vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the recent global outbreak of mpox (formerly monkeypox. Currently, they are evaluating the role of hand-held technology in antibiotic prescribing and management of common infectious diseases syndromes. In addition, the team plays critical roles in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy, perioperative prophylaxis, vaccine management, formulary management, and diagnostic stewardship interventions.

Researchers in this area include:

• Valida Bajrovic, MD
• Bernard Camins, MD
• Rachel Chasan, MD, MPH
• Rebecca Choudhury, MD
• Vani George, DO
• Aaron Glatt, MD
• Waleed Javaid, MD
• Gopi Patel, MD, MS
• Meenakshi M. Rana, MD
• Nicholas Sells, MD
• Krystina Woods, MD

The Division of Infectious Diseases is at the forefront of addressing critical infectious disease challenges in immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing organ transplantation or cancer treatment. Our diverse research portfolio spans several key areas, including HIV-to-HIV transplantation, Cytomegalovirus (CMV studies, COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients, oncology-related infections, and multidrug-resistant organisms.

In the realm of HIV-to-HIV transplantation, our researchers are actively enrolling patients in an NIH-funded multicenter prospective study. This groundbreaking research assesses the safety and outcomes of HIV-to-HIV kidney and liver transplantation through the HOPE in Action clinical trial, potentially expanding the donor pool for HIV-positive individuals in need of organ transplants.

Our cytomegalovirus studies focus on both prevention and treatment in transplant recipients. Investigators are conducting studies on CMV infection in multiple myeloma patients receiving newer therapies, including anti-CD38 and B-cell maturation antigen bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cells. Additionally, we're exploring CMV-specific T-cell immune responses in CMV seropositive allogeneic stem-cell transplant recipients, aiming to improve our understanding and management of this common post-transplant complication.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the unique vulnerabilities of immunocompromised patients. Our research in this area includes multiple studies examining prevention and treatment strategies. Notable among these are the COVID Protection after Transplant Clinical Trial, evaluating antibody responses to additional SARS-CoV-2 vaccination doses in kidney and liver transplant recipients, and a study that prospectively examines anti-spike antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines in solid organ transplant recipients, including those with HIV.

In the field of oncology-related infections, our group investigates antibiotic stewardship in neutropenic fever management, the impact of antibacterial prophylaxis, and prevention of infections in patients receiving novel therapies for multiple myeloma and CAR-T cell therapy. We're also participating in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-funded study, screening for colonization with resistant Enterobacterales in neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies.

Our research extends to other critical areas such as Clostridioides difficile infections, where we're involved in both treatment trials and studies examining the impact of the microbiome on infection risk. Additionally, our team is engaged in research on multidrug-resistant infections, particularly in solid organ transplant recipients, and studies on bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections.

Researchers in this area include:

• Emily Baneman, MD
• Dallas F. Dunn, MD
• Risa N. Fuller, MD
• Shirish S. Huprikar, MD
• Samantha E. Jacobs, MD
• Gopi Patel, MD
• Meenakshi M. Rana, MD
• Timothy Sullivan, MD
• Sarah Taimur, MD
• Connie Zhao, MD

Our research efforts are closely integrated with our clinical services, allowing for a dynamic interplay between patient care and scientific inquiry. We aim to optimize treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes in the outpatient setting by enabling patients to receive intravenous antibiotics. This innovative approach not only allows for earlier hospital discharge but also helps avoid unnecessary hospitalizations altogether.

Our researchers are also exploring ways to better manage infections in immunocompromised patients, including organ transplant recipients and those with malignancies on immunosuppressive therapy. A particular area of interest is the care of HIV-positive patients who have received organ transplants, focusing on strategies to navigate their complex post-transplant care while maintaining a safe and familiar environment. Our focus on general infectious diseases research covers a broad spectrum of infections, including tick-borne diseases, chronic urinary tract infections, travel-related infections, gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, and pneumonia. These studies aim to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms, improve diagnostic techniques, and develop more effective treatment strategies.

Travel medicine is another key research focus, with ongoing studies evaluating the efficacy of various vaccines and prophylactic measures for travel-related infections. This research not only informs our clinical practice in providing travel advice and vaccinations but also contributes to global health initiatives.

Researchers in this area include:

• Madhavi Ponnapalli, MD
• Sarah Taimur, MD