Dr. Hisashi Akiyama

Biography

Hisashi Akiyama is an Assistant Professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, specializing in Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology. He obtained his PhD from Kyoto University. His research focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of HIV, particularly the role of myeloid cells in the establishment and dissemination of HIV infection, as well as the mechanisms of the virus's evasion from innate and adaptive host immune responses. Akiyama has shown that myeloid cells, including monocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages, play a critical role in HIV acquisition at mucosal surfaces and in replication within the central nervous system. A significant part of his work involves the CD169/Siglec1 receptor on dendritic cells, which enhances HIV-1 replication and contributes to immune evasion. His ongoing projects aim to elucidate the interactions between CD169 and HIV-1, furthering the understanding of HIV pathogenesis and the molecular mechanisms underlying myeloid cell activation by the virus. Akiyama has received several grants for his innovative research on RNA modification and innate immune activation related to HIV infection.

Research Interests

Experience