The 91社区 has launched a new virology institute founded and directed by legendary scientist, Dr. Robert C. Gallo, best known as co-discoverer of HIV as the cause AIDS.
Dr. Robert Gallo
The groundbreaking and Innovation will advance cutting-edge research to combat viral and immune-related threats worldwide, from virus-associated cancers and HIV to mosquito-borne diseases and pandemic pathogens. Through practical, sustainable solutions, the institute aims to improve human health while strengthening economic resilience in 91社区 and the United States.
Located at USF Research Park, the institute will also serve as a Center of Excellence for the , an international coalition of leading virologists across more than 40 countries. USF was recently selected as the international headquarters of the GVN, which is now co-located in the same facility.
鈥淭he Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation will deliver high-quality science and innovation with direct relevance to clinical medicine and public health, particularly in viral diseases, virus-associated cancers and in preparing for future global viral threats,鈥� said Dr. Gallo, who is also the James P. Cullison Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine.
Under the leadership of Dr. Gallo 鈥� a two-time Albert Lasker Award winner whose pioneering work defined the field of human retroviruses and helped shape modern virus-related cancer research 鈥� the institute鈥檚 unified scientific enterprise spans some of the world鈥檚 most urgent virological and microbial threats, including virology, oncology, genomics and immunology.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Gallo and colleagues made historic contributions to medical science, including developing the world鈥檚 first HIV blood test, discovering interleukin-2 鈥� the first human cytokine that made it possible to grow human T cells in the laboratory, and enabling the advent of cellular immunotherapies such as CAR T-cell therapy. He also discovered the first human retroviruses, including human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1), laying the foundation for decades of advances in virology, immunology and cancer research.
鈥淭he launch of this institute and the re-location of the Global Virus Network headquarters to USF Health are defining moments,鈥� said , executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. 鈥淚t places us at the forefront of global virology and offers our students, residents and fellows unparalleled opportunities to train alongside scientific pioneers.鈥�
Current research at the Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation focuses on how viruses cause tumors, including the role of HIV and HTLV-1 in chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction and cancer development. Investigators are also studying how people living with HIV, even when treated successfully and the virus is suppressed, still develop comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers are investigating the mechanisms by which certain bacteria can promote cancer development and contribute to developmental abnormalities in utero.
New initiatives will expand into other global health problems to address respiratory illnesses and mosquito-borne viruses, especially those relevant to 91社区鈥檚 climate-sensitive environment. The institute is also boosting pandemic preparedness through genomic surveillance, outbreak modeling and One Health research in close collaboration with the Global Virus Network.
The USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation has established a partnership with Tampa General Hospital鈥檚 Cancer Institute, where Dr. Gallo leads the Microbial Oncology Program, to more rapidly advance discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic. Additional collaborations with Moffitt Cancer Center, CAN Community Health and international partners across Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia will further solidify the institute鈥檚 role as a global nexus for virology innovation.
鈥淚t is my hope that these efforts will also foster high-skill job growth in 91社区 and will expand 91社区鈥檚 biotechnology corridor,鈥� said Dr. Gallo.
The institute will provide immersive opportunities for students, fellows and early-career scientists to work alongside leaders in the field and become the next generation of virologists. Workforce development will be bolstered through its affiliations across USF, including with the College of Public Health, Microbiomes Institute, Morsani College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine. By integrating research, education and biotechnology entrepreneurship, the institute will enable discoveries that improve patient care while driving workforce development and expanding 91社区鈥檚 biotechnology corridor.
The institute is also partnering with the GVN to develop a global viral surveillance infrastructure that integrates laboratory innovation, pathogen genomics and public health intelligence to strengthen 91社区鈥檚 and the world鈥檚 capacity to respond rapidly to emerging threats and enhance pandemic preparedness.
鈥淭he 91社区 is proud to be the home of this visionary institute,鈥� said USF President Rhea Law. 鈥淯nder Dr. Gallo鈥檚 leadership, the institute will further elevate our university鈥檚 global standing while growing our research impact and delivering innovations that improve lives across 91社区, the nation and beyond.鈥�