Dr. Boliar’s research interest focuses on understanding the biology of HIV-1 persistence during therapy and host-pathogen interactions. Tissue-resident reservoir cells such as macrophages that harbor the virus during anti-retroviral treatment poses a key barrier to HIV-1 cure. One area of research in the lab is characterization of the HIV-1 reservoirs in the lung. We are studying the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 persistence in lung alveolar macrophages by in-depth analysis of the viral genomic and transcriptomic landscapes in untreated and anti-retroviral treated individuals and exploring their functional implications on lung immunity. A second area of research in the lab is focused on identification of novel host-dependency factors in HIV-1 replication. We are particularly interested in understanding the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in establishment and maintenance of HIV-1 latency.  We employ cutting-edge molecular virology, immunology and genomics techniques in both ex vivo clinical samples and in vitro systems of HIV-1 infection in our studies. Our scientific motivation and long-term goal is to identify cellular and viral vulnerabilities in latent or persistently infected cells that can be exploited for development of therapeutic interventions and thereby contribute to the HIV-1 Cure Research.

BVSc & AH (DVM equivalent), West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, India

PhD, University of Kentucky, USA

Dr. Boliar received his BVSc & AH (DVM equivalent) degree from West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences in Kolkata, India. He then moved to the US for his graduate studies and obtained his PhD from University of Kentucky, where he studied the mechanisms of innate immune evasion by influenza virus. He started his research career in HIV-1 virology and pathogenesis as a post-doctoral fellow at Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University. After a short stint working as a Scientist at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)/ DBT-founded HIV Vaccine Translational Laboratory, he joined Cornell University. Since 2022, Dr. Boliar is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Cornell University.  

    Please select the PubMed link for a list of Dr. Boliar's publications.