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Emerman
Michael Emerman, PhD
- Professor Emeritus, Human Biology Division, Fred Hutch
- Professor Emeritus, Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutch
- Member, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center (PAM IRC), Fred Hutch
Background
Dr. Michael Emerman studies how our cells interact with HIV and related retroviruses. Over millennia, our cells and the cells of other primates that are susceptible to retrovirus infection have evolved strategies to rebuff the viruses. In turn, retroviruses like HIV have evolved their own strategies to overcome our defenses. Dr. Emerman charts the course of this evolution, examining how HIV adapted to humans from its origins as a primate retrovirus. Understanding ancient viral infections can give clues to our ability to resist — or succumb — to HIV. Insights into effective cellular antiviral defenses could also shed light on avenues for development of potential future antiretroviral therapies.
Education
Postdoc, Pasteur Institute (France)
PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
BS, Ohio State University