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Rachel Rutishauser

@rrutishauser.bsky.social
1.9K followers 512 following 35 posts

Physician-scientist, immunologist. Associate Professor, UCSF Division of Experimental Medicine. Investigator, DARE HIV cure collaboratory. CD8 T cells, HIV, immune development. Posts mine. experimentalmedicine.ucsf.edu/labor…

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Reposted by Rachel Rutishauser
Molly Ohainle @mollyohainle.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Ohainle Lab's first start-to-finish preprint is up! @mchljyng.bsky.social
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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
1/ Fall 2026 vaccines for flu, RSV, and Covid-19 are here, and they remain available at no cost. Keeping track of them all isn’t easy, so I put together the what, who, and when for each, informed by the most up-to-date science and policy. Let's get into it 👇
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bioRxiv Immunology @biorxiv-immuno.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A mechanistic basis for CD8+ T cell expansion sensitivity as a predictor of HIV post-treatment control www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/20…
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Reposted by Rachel Rutishauser
Mikhail Pogorelyy @pogorely.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Excited to see our TIRTL-seq method published in Nature Methods www.nature.com/articles/s41...! Some updates after the revision: (1/4)
nature.com
TIRTL-seq: deep, quantitative and affordable paired TCR repertoire sequencing - Nature Methods
TIRTL-seq is a high-throughput method for paired T cell receptor sequencing at the cohort scale.
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Julia Carnevale @juliacarnevale.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Very excited to share my lab's first major paper, led by postdoc Qi Liu @gladstoneinst.bsky.social @ucsanfrancisco.bsky.social executing the first ever genome-wide in vivo screens for genetic modifications to enhance human T cell therapies for solid tumors. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
In vivo genome-wide CRISPR screens of human T cells in solid tumours - Nature
An in vivo model that is able to recover human T cells from solid tumours can identify targets to help improve CAR T cell antitumour activity.
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Waggoner Lab @labwaggoner.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Based on a new NOA recieved this month, we are looking for a postdoctoral fellow with solid foundation of molecular skills, creativity, and translational passion to help us develop innovative CARs for targeting discrete subsets of T cells. DM or email me if interested
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Marion Pepper @marionpepper.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
A decade ago we showed that T-dependent IgM+ memory B cells (MBCs) that express CD80 and CD73 rapidly respond to a secondary Plasmodium infection (Krishnamurty, Immunity, 2016). Since then, post-doc Gretchen Harms Pritchard has been working out the cues that lead to the formation of these cells. ⤵️
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Waggoner Lab @labwaggoner.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
@biorxivpreprint.bsky.social Immune activation during broadly neutralizing antibody-mediated HIV suppression prior to post-intervention control @rrutishauser.bsky.social @ucsfhealth.bsky.social www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
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TAGHIVscience @taghivscience.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Presented in part at #CROI2026 by Julia Wagner: www.croiwebcasts.org/console/play... #HIV #bNAbs
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Reposted by Rachel Rutishauser
bioRxiv Immunology @biorxiv-immuno.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Immune activation during broadly neutralizing antibody-mediated HIV suppression prior to post-intervention control www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/20…
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Reposted by Rachel Rutishauser
Apoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
After a single infusion of immune cells engineered to recognize HIV, two people in a new study have suppressed the virus to undetectable levels, one of them for nearly two years. www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/h...
nytimes.com
A Single Infusion Could Suppress H.I.V. for Years, Study Suggests
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TAGHIVscience @taghivscience.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Encouraging news, although it's always preferable for media coverage to happen *after* a presentation and not a day before: pag.virtual-meeting.org/US/asgct2026... Two people experienced an unusual degree of extended #HIV viral load control after ART interruption, but other participants didn't.
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Michael Betts @bettsupenn.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Happy to announce publication of our first therapeutic mRNA-LNP paper! In vivo reprogramming of cytotoxic effector CD8 T cells via fractalkine-conjugated mRNA-LNPs | Science Immunology www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
science.org
In vivo reprogramming of cytotoxic effector CD8 T cells via fractalkine-conjugated mRNA-LNPs
Fractalkine-conjugated mRNA-LNPs effectively target cytotoxic effector CD8 T cells for transient in vivo reprogramming.
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Reposted by Rachel Rutishauser
Marson Lab @marsonlab.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
My lab has been studying human genes that control infection HIV infection of CD4+ T cells for over a decade. Today we report a major milestone in Cell: www.cell.com/cell/fulltex...
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
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Oni Blackstock, MD MHS @oniblackstock.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
16,000 people living with HIV are expected to lose coverage from the AIDS Drugs Assistance Program due to Florida's funding cuts. Read Kamaria Laffrey's pre-obituary as a long-term survivor in Florida. "Kamaria Laffrey writes an indictment of a system that’s failing people living with HIV."
positivelyaware.com
A ‘pre-obituary’ as protest by a long-term survivor in Florida
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IAS - the International AIDS Society @iasociety.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
“Tens of thousands of Americans are losing access to treatment for H.I.V. as nearly 20 states impose restrictions on assistance programs and several others weigh such changes.” via @nytimes.com
nytimes.com
States Move to Limit Access to H.I.V. Treatment
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aidsmap @aidsmap.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
CD8 cell fitness predicts who benefits most from antibody-based cure strategies
aidsmap.com
CD8 cell fitness predicts who benefits most from antibody-based cure strategies
Over the last few years a number of studies aiming to cure HIV or at least achieve long-term viral suppression off antiretroviral therapy (ART) have produced tantalising results. These studies have given participants one or both of the long-acting versions of two broadly neutralising antibodies (bnAbs), 3BNC117 (teropavimab) and 10-1074 (zinlirvimab), sometimes in conjunction with immune boosting oral drugs.
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Reposted by Rachel Rutishauser
Jon Cohen @cohenjon.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Study in 80,000 people in Uganda and Kenya shows 70% reduction in risk of HIV infection. The secret? Community health workers offering testing at home, simplified access to PrEP and PEP, follow up with smart phone app that connects people to clinics. Remarkable. www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
Community health project in Kenya and Uganda dramatically cuts new HIV infections
Large-scale study finds that simplifying delivery of prevention medication and improving connections to clinics is key
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Kilian Schober @kischober.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
New work from our lab, hot off the press in Nature Immunology (@natureportfolio.nature.com)! How do human T cell responses diversify — and how does this lead to durable protection after vaccination? Paper: www.nature.com/articles/s41... Press release: www.fau.eu/2026/02/news... 1/6
nature.com
Metabolic quiescence of naive-like memory T cells precedes and maintains antigen-specific T cell memory - Nature Immunology
Schober and colleagues show that effector CD8+ T cells undergo metabolic shutdown, CD8+ central memory T cells are the most metabolically active, and naive-like memory T cells are quiescent during the...
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AVAC @avac.org · 23/02/2026
At #CROI2026 today, Katharine Bar helped advocates decode Sharon Lewin’s Opening Session on #cure, spotlighting emerging approaches like using the #HIV protein Tat to “wake up” latent virus so the immune system can see it & then eliminate it. For explainer videos on cure, visit, hivcurecompass.org.
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Tcellogic (Sue Kaech) @tcellogic.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
New study—and exciting collaboration with Wei Wang, Cong Liu (UCSD), and Kay Chung (new lab at UNC)—that provides a platform for designing T cells into specific states. We identified state-selective TFs for CD8 T cell states that enable “recipes” for cell engineering! www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Atlas-guided discovery of transcription factors for T cell programming - Nature
A comprehensive atlas platform integrating transcriptional and epigenetic data enables more precise engineering of T cell states, accelerating the rational design of more effective cellular immunother...
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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
I am SO incredibly excited to announce the launch of a global list of Inspiring Black Scientists. You can use this list to nominate and connect with researchers. Please share and join us in highlighting these outstanding scientists for #BlackHistoryMonth and beyond! www.wiley.com/en-us/resear...
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TAGHIVscience @taghivscience.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Recapitulating the qualities of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells from spontaneous controllers journals.lww.com/co-hivandaid... (open access review) #HIV @rrutishauser.bsky.social
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TAGHIVscience @taghivscience.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
New Insights from Perinatal #HIV: A Way Forward for HIV Cure Research academic.oup.com/jid/advance-... (open access) @jidjournal.bsky.social
academic.oup.com
New Insights from Perinatal HIV: A Way Forward for HIV Cure Research
Rajesh T Gandhi, Ronald J Bosch, Ann Chahroudi; New Insights from Perinatal HIV: A Way Forward for HIV Cure Research, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, ,
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TAGHIVscience @taghivscience.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Boosting SIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses prior to ART interruption extends time to SIVmac239 rebound www.jci.org/articles/vie... (open access) @jci.org
jci.org
JCI - Boosting SIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses prior to ART interruption extends time to SIVmac239 rebound
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Caleb Lareau @caleblareau.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Today in @nature.com, we describe how discarded reads in biobank-scale WGS can help resolve the genetic predictors and consequences of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. Wonderful working with @ryandhindsa.bsky.social @sherrynyeo.bsky.social @erinmayc.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Population-scale sequencing resolves determinants of persistent EBV DNA - Nature
Population-scale WGS reveals genetic determinants of persistent EBV DNA, linking immune regulation—especially antigen processing and MHC class II variation—to EBV persistence and heterogeneous di...
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Asier Sáez-Cirión @asiersc.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
In this difficult period in the fight against HIV these news are particularly welcome. Together we can end HIV/AIDS pandemic 💪
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Rachel Rutishauser @rrutishauser.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Very excited our study is out! 🧵 here: bsky.app/profile/rrut...
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Nature Portfolio @natureportfolio.nature.com · 09/12/2025
A paper in Nature reports the details of a 60-year-old male individual from Germany who achieved sustained HIV remission after a stem cell transplant, the seventh-known case reported to date. go.nature.com/4rNjedx #medsky 🧪
This is figure 1, which shows longitudinal follow-up.
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Rachel Rutishauser @rrutishauser.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
11/ HIV is an extraordinarily challenging pathogen. Demonstrating that the immune system *can* be manipulated to improve control of HIV and identifying a correlate of that control in vivo in people is both important for the field and also gives us something concrete to build on.
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Rachel Rutishauser @rrutishauser.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
7/ @demisandel.bsky.social (1st PhD student in my lab!) made the key observation: early in rebound, before viral loads diverged, participants who went on to control HIV to low levels had a larger expansion of activated, cycling CD8+ T cells in the blood compared to those who did not control rebound.
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Bill Hanage @billhanage.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Essential reading if you care about the health of scientific inquiry in the US www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
The U.S. Is Funding Fewer Grants in Every Area of Science and Medicine
A quiet policy change means the government is making fewer bets on long-term science.
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Rachel Rutishauser @rrutishauser.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Thoughtful coverage of our study from various outlets. 🧵 1/ The SF Chonicle: www.sfchronicle.com/health/artic...
sfchronicle.com
‘Is this my last pill ever?’ UCSF therapy offers patients a hint at a cure for HIV
Seven of 10 volunteers kept HIV at bay for months after stopping meds, a rare result scientists call a major step toward a functional cure.
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Rachel Rutishauser @rrutishauser.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
1/ We are making progress towards finding a cure for HIV. In a trial @UCSF led by Steve Deeks and @michaelpelusomd.bsky.social, 7/10 participants who received a combination of immunotherapies achieved partial control of HIV after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ART).🧵 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Correlates of HIV-1 control after combination immunotherapy - Nature
Nature - Correlates of HIV-1 control after combination immunotherapy
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Gabe Ortíz @tusk81.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
“The National AIDS Memorial, through a partnership with the AIDS Quilt Touch team, presents all 50,000 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in an interactive experience so people around the world can experience the beauty of the Quilt and witness the love and stories stitched into each panel.”
aidsmemorial.org
Interactive AIDS Quilt
The National AIDS Memorial, through a partnership with the AIDS Quilt Touch team, presents all 48,000 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in an interactive experience People around the world can experie...
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Senator Scott Wiener @scottwiener.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
For the first time in decades, the federal government refuses to acknowledge World AIDS Day. But we are prepared for this fight, and we won't let them harm our community. We have built systems of care, fought for our rights, and protected each other through every wave of hate. We are ready.
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Waggoner Lab @labwaggoner.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Correlates of HIV-1 control after combination immunotherapy @rrutishauser.bsky.social @ucsfhividgm.bsky.social @nature.com www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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Waggoner Lab @labwaggoner.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
T cells with stem-cell-like properties could work with antibody therapies to control HIV after a person stops taking antiviral pills @nature.com www.nature.com/articles/d41... @drjli.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41... @ragoninstitute.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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IDSA @idsainfo.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
This #WorldAIDSDay, help us call on Congress to fully fund federal HIV programs: idsociety.quorum.us/campaign/148...
idsociety.quorum.us
We cannot go back: Act now to save HIV funding
Urge your members of Congress to fully fund federal HIV programs as they negotiate final funding levels for the FY 2026 LHHS spending bill.
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HIVMA @hivma.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Fear and uncertainty hang over much of the HIV community this #WorldAIDSDay as we reflect on lives lost, progress made and current efforts to unravel our country’s HIV response. Action must follow our reflection this year. Our statement: bit.ly/4ot4mOi
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Apoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
SCOOP: The Trump administration has instructed employees and grantees not to use U.S. funds to commemorate World AIDS Day — because the observance was started by the World Health Organization. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
nytimes.com
Trump Administration Cancels U.S. Observance of World AIDS Day
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Kevin Ault @kevinault.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Pictures of David Kirby appeared in "Life" magazine this month in 1990. Kirby was dying of complications of AIDS. The photographs were taken at Pater Noster House, a hospice in Columbus, Ohio. #MedSky + #IDSky + #HistorySky. www.life.com/history/behi...
life.com
World AIDS Day: The Photo That Changed the Face of HIV/AIDS
LIFE.com shares the story behind one of the most harrowing and controversial photographs to emerge from the global pandemic.
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BK. Titanji @boghuma.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
The 2025 UNAIDS report is out and it is a stark reminder that the HIV epidemic is not over. After a decade of progress, the global HIV response was shaken this year by abrupt, deep cuts in international funding. Clinics closed. Community programmes collapsed. www.unaids.org/en/resources...
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Alt CDC (they/them) @altcdc.altgov.info · 25/11/2025
3/ World AIDS Day is Dec 1 -- this is THE day to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, support those living with it, remember those lost, and promote prevention and education worldwide. worldaidsday.org
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Alt CDC (they/them) @altcdc.altgov.info · 25/11/2025
1/ ⚠️ Breaking: At CDC, we've been told the US Government will not officially commemorate World AIDS Day this year. No explanation given.
Photograph of a printed guidance memo stating that the U.S. Government will not be commemorating World AIDS Day this year. Key points include: USG funds should not be used for related events, personnel should refrain from public promotion via social media or other channels, and CDC and other USG staff may attend local events but cannot speak or promote attendance. The memo notes this guidance supersedes previous blanket approval and may require adjustments to planned activities.
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TAGHIVscience @taghivscience.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Among the many things Carl Dieffenbach was working on: the re-competition and renewal of #HIV clinical research networks: ACTG, HPTN, HVTN, IMPAACT.
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Greg Folkers @gregfolkers.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
A lot of the transformational advances in HIV science — Truvada PrEP, Treatment as prevention (HPTN 052), U=U, lenacapavir PrEP etc. happened under Carl's watch. A kind and generous person to boot. Huge loss.
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Alt NIH Bluesky 🧪 @altnih4science.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Hearing news that Carl Dieffenbach, the Director of the Division of AIDS at #NIH (NIAID), has been removed from his position because he was "not aligned with HHS/OMB." Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH. 🧪 1/

Carl W. Dieffenbach, Ph.D., Director of the Division of AIDS

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (.gov)
https://www.niaid.nih.gov › about › carl-w-dieffenbach-...
Nov 15, 2018 — Carl W. Dieffenbach, Ph.D., serves as Director of the Division of AIDS (DAIDS). Dr. Dieffenbach oversees a global HIV/AIDS research portfolio of more than $1 ...
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Waggoner Lab @labwaggoner.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
@natrevimmunol.nature.com Guidelines for T cell nomenclature www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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IAS - the International AIDS Society @iasociety.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
🔬 "From CAR T cell-targeting of the #HIV reservoir to therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, T cells hold the potential to improve medicine." via @amfarofficial.bsky.social
amfar.org
How T Cells Are Defining the Future of HIV Therapies and Beyond
Research into T cells holds the potential to make advances in HIV therapies and the treatment of conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.
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