Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Batista Lab at the Ragon Institute, have developed a potential new approach for an HIV vaccine. The study, published in Science Immunology, focuses on creating a vaccine component that can stimulate the immune system to produce powerful antibodies against HIV. Titled “Germline-targeting HIV vaccination induces neutralizing antibodies to the CD4 binding site,” the paper details how the researchers designed a vaccine component called BG505 SOSIP GT1.1. This immunogen is engineered to engage and activate a specific type of immune cell that can in turn develop into cells that produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). BnAbs are capable of fighting off diverse strains of HIV. In non-human tests conducted in the study, a single dose of BG505 SOSIP GT1.1 successfully expanded immune cells that specifically target the CD4 binding site on the HIV virus, a site that is key in the virus's ability to infect human cells. The study found that some of the antibodies produced were effective against a variety of HIV strains. These findings provide important preclinical support for ongoing human trials and highlight the potential of this new vaccine approach to advance the development of an effective HIV vaccine. #Research #HIV #Publication #Immunology #ScienceImmunology

Researchers at The Ndhlovu Lab, part of the Ragon Institute and the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), have completed a significant study on the safety and practicality of lymph node excisions for HIV cure research in South Africa. The study — led by Ragon faculty member Zaza Mtine Ndhlovu, PhD, and published in Frontiers in Immunology — provides critical insights into how these procedures can advance our understanding of HIV reservoirs.  HIV reservoirs are groups of HIV-infected cells that can remain latent within the body for months or years but can be reactivated if a patient’s treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is stopped. The Ndhlovu Lab paper, titled “Safety and practicality of an excisional lymph node study driving HIV cure research in South Africa,” discusses how the researchers successfully conducted 181 lymph node excisions since 2015. These procedures were minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia, minimizing risk and discomfort for the participants. The small incisions healed within a week, and most participants were able to resume normal activities the following day. The study reported only a 5.5% occurrence of minor adverse events, such as swelling or prolonged wound healing, all of which were resolved within two weeks. Read More at: https://lnkd.in/eRV79-h5 #Research #FrontiersInImmunology #Immunology #Publication #HIV

"I've learned more from my failures than I have from my successes." – Terry Ragon, Founder of InterSystems in a recent Forbes article on exploring the multi-disciplinary approach of the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard. The Ragon Institute is delighted to have been featured in this Forbes profile and we are proud to share his story and the impact of his legacy on global health. Read the article below and explore how Terry Ragon's bold commitment is not only propelling scientific advancements but also igniting global hope for an HIV cure. #Innovation #HIVResearch #Leadership #InterSystems #RagonInstitute

So glad thay we at the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard are able to participate in this program and grateful for the support of Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. Looking forward to next year!

Exchange programs and global collaboration play a vital role in advancing scientific research, allowing researchers to share knowledge, resources, and expertise across borders — a philosophy the Ragon Institute is deeply committed to. For Youry Kim, PhD, the Ragon offered an ideal opportunity to advance her research and professional growth. An exchange fellow from the The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) in Melbourne, Australia — Kim joined the Ragon Institute this summer for a four-month stay working in the lab of Ragon faculty member Mathias Lichterfeld, MD, PhD, and often collaborating with another Ragon faculty member, Xu Yu, MD. We spoke to Kim to learn more about her background, her research journey, and her experiences at the Ragon Institute over the past few months: https://lnkd.in/eW8Ud7v4 #ExchangeProgram #GlobalHealth #Collaboration #Mentorship #DohertyInstitute

A team of researchers from the Kwon Lab at the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard; the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have discovered that oleic acid, one of the most abundant fatty acids in the body, restores a healthy balance of vaginal microbes in a laboratory model of bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Kwon Lab postdoctoral fellows Meilin Zhu and Seth Bloom as well as primary investigator Douglas Kwon collaborated with the Broad Institute on the paper published in the journal Cell. Their findings demonstrate that oleic acid and several other unsaturated long-chain fatty acids (uLCFAs) — which are critical components of cell membranes and can have antimicrobial properties — simultaneously inhibit the growth of vaginal microbes associated with negative health effects and promote other species associated with a healthier female genital tract. Treatments that promote this balance of microbes could one day help prevent repeat vaginal infections. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/e2uu-zGh #Research #Cell #BroadInstitute #BacterialVaginosis #OleicAcid

Introducing our August Employee Spotlight! Meet Tom Guy, MD, PhD, a Fulbright Fellow whose research at the Pillai Lab focuses on identifying novel T cells that drive human diseases. Dr. Guy’s work is helping to advance our understanding of the immune system, particularly in the context of autoimmune disease and cancer. The Pillai Lab has made groundbreaking discoveries in B-cell biology and T-cell-B-cell collaboration, contributing to novel treatments for B-cell leukemias and autoimmune diseases. The lab's research spans a wide array of immune-related conditions, including systemic sclerosis, IgG4-related disease, and COVID-19, with a focus on how B and T cells collaborate to influence immune function and memory. Thank you, Dr. Guy, for your valuable contributions to the Ragon Institute! #RagonInstitute #EmployeeSpotlight #Research #Fulbright

From my early days at Harvard to my current role at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) and The Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard my focus has been on impactful research in HIV and TB, aiming to develop effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies that can change the course of these diseases — and we’re making incredible progress. Last year, I was honored to receive the 2023 Leadership in Public Health Practice Award from the Harvard University Public Health Alumni Association. This recognition from my peers is deeply meaningful to me as it highlights our collective efforts in advancing public health. It strengthens my commitment to our research and to mentoring the next generation of scientists and gives me confidence that we’re headed in the right direction. I am grateful for the support from my colleagues around the world as we continue to push for better health outcomes globally. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Take a look at the other award recipients here: https://lnkd.in/dA29eVvw

The 2024 RISE program wrapped up last Friday with our annual symposium, where this summer's interns showcased their outstanding work. Over the past three months, these talented students have immersed themselves in research, gained invaluable insights, and created lasting memories at the Ragon Institute. Ragon Director of Education and Outreach, Don Pinkerton, recognized each intern's achievements with a certificate of completion and a special plush-bNAb (broadly neutralizing antibody). During the two-hour event, the RISE interns shared their research findings, favorite experiences, and other highlights, followed by a lunch to say their goodbyes. We are incredibly proud of our RISE interns this year and eagerly anticipate the amazing things they’ll accomplish next! Learn more about the RISE program at: https://lnkd.in/dh4CVY7F #RISE2024 #RagonInstitute #Interns #Education #Research

Meet RISE interns Lizberte, Sulav, and Prionti in our last of three posts as they share a little about themselves and their favorite parts of RISE! RISE (Ragon Institute Summer Experience) is our summer internship program, which aims to inspire young people from underrepresented communities in the Greater Boston area to consider a career in medical research and immunology by offering a paid, structured and mentored internship with extended support. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dh4CVY7F #RagonInstitute #Interns #Immunology #Research #STEM