Mark Slifka

Biography

We are actively investigating the underlying mechanisms of humoral and cell-mediated immunity against acute viral infections. This work has included developing several models of acute viral infection and/or vaccination in order to address basic immunological questions related to the development and maintenance of long-term protective immunity and improved vaccine design. We have also developed a series of clinical studies in which we study immunological memory directly in human subjects. During the course of this work, we have studied a number of viruses including arenaviruses (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, LCMV), flaviviruses (West Nile virus, yellow fever, and dengue), and orthopoxviruses (vaccinia, cowpox, and monkeypox). The combination of basic research in animal models and applied research in clinical studies involving both healthy and immunocompromised populations has provided the opportunity to better define the requirements for immunological memory and to learn how to develop more effective diagnostics and vaccine candidates. These experiments have laid the foundation for preparing safer, highly immunogenic vaccines. Using our patented hydrogen peroxide-based approach to vaccine production, at Najit Technologies, Inc. we are preparing clinical-grade vaccines for West Nile virus, yellow fever, and dengue under cGMP and hope to perform Phase I clinical trials in the near future. 

Research Interest

Microbiology