He is also serves as consultant at Zohdan Bio, where he provides strategic support for preclinical R&D programs focused on gene therapy, genome editing, and virology. With a deep foundation in oncology and biologics, Dr. Usmani has led groundbreaking work in both academia and industry, including his tenures at Sana Biotechnology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He's led and spearheaded the development of innovative in vivo genome editing platforms, optimized viral vectors, and engineered cutting-edge reporter assays.
Shariq Usmani, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Research Expertise
About
Publications
Targeting the CBM complex causes Treg cells to prime tumours for immune checkpoint therapy
Nature / May 15, 2019
Di Pilato, M., Kim, E. Y., Cadilha, B. L., Prüßmann, J. N., Nasrallah, M. N., Seruggia, D., Usmani, S. M., Misale, S., Zappulli, V., Carrizosa, E., Mani, V., Ligorio, M., Warner, R. D., Medoff, B. D., Marangoni, F., Villani, A.-C., & Mempel, T. R. (2019). Targeting the CBM complex causes Treg cells to prime tumours for immune checkpoint therapy. Nature, 570(7759), 112–116. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1215-2
Peptide nanofibrils boost retroviral gene transfer and provide a rapid means for concentrating viruses
Nature Nanotechnology / Jan 20, 2013
Yolamanova, M., Meier, C., Shaytan, A. K., Vas, V., Bertoncini, C. W., Arnold, F., Zirafi, O., Usmani, S. M., Müller, J. A., Sauter, D., Goffinet, C., Palesch, D., Walther, P., Roan, N. R., Geiger, H., Lunov, O., Simmet, T., Bohne, J., Schrezenmeier, H., … Münch, J. (2013). Peptide nanofibrils boost retroviral gene transfer and provide a rapid means for concentrating viruses. Nature Nanotechnology, 8(2), 130–136. https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2012.248
Direct visualization of HIV-enhancing endogenous amyloid fibrils in human semen
Nature Communications / Apr 01, 2014
Usmani, S. M., Zirafi, O., Müller, J. A., Sandi-Monroy, N. L., Yadav, J. K., Meier, C., Weil, T., Roan, N. R., Greene, W. C., Walther, P., Nilsson, K. P. R., Hammarström, P., Wetzel, R., Pilcher, C. D., Gagsteiger, F., Fändrich, M., Kirchhoff, F., & Münch, J. (2014). Direct visualization of HIV-enhancing endogenous amyloid fibrils in human semen. Nature Communications, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4508
Nef Proteins of Epidemic HIV-1 Group O Strains Antagonize Human Tetherin
Cell Host & Microbe / Nov 01, 2014
Kluge, S. F., Mack, K., Iyer, S. S., Pujol, F. M., Heigele, A., Learn, G. H., Usmani, S. M., Sauter, D., Joas, S., Hotter, D., Bibollet-Ruche, F., Plenderleith, L. J., Peeters, M., Geyer, M., Sharp, P. M., Fackler, O. T., Hahn, B. H., & Kirchhoff, F. (2014). Nef Proteins of Epidemic HIV-1 Group O Strains Antagonize Human Tetherin. Cell Host & Microbe, 16(5), 639–650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2014.10.002
Human Tetherin Exerts Strong Selection Pressure on the HIV-1 Group N Vpu Protein
PLoS Pathogens / Dec 20, 2012
Sauter, D., Unterweger, D., Vogl, M., Usmani, S. M., Heigele, A., Kluge, S. F., Hermkes, E., Moll, M., Barker, E., Peeters, M., Learn, G. H., Bibollet-Ruche, F., Fritz, J. V., Fackler, O. T., Hahn, B. H., & Kirchhoff, F. (2012). Human Tetherin Exerts Strong Selection Pressure on the HIV-1 Group N Vpu Protein. PLoS Pathogens, 8(12), e1003093. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1003093
A molecular tweezer antagonizes seminal amyloids and HIV infection
eLife / Aug 18, 2015
Lump, E., Castellano, L. M., Meier, C., Seeliger, J., Erwin, N., Sperlich, B., Stürzel, C. M., Usmani, S., Hammond, R. M., von Einem, J., Gerold, G., Kreppel, F., Bravo-Rodriguez, K., Pietschmann, T., Holmes, V. M., Palesch, D., Zirafi, O., Weissman, D., Sowislok, A., … Münch, J. (2015). A molecular tweezer antagonizes seminal amyloids and HIV infection. ELife, 4. CLOCKSS. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.05397
Semen amyloids participate in spermatozoa selection and clearance
eLife / Jun 27, 2017
Roan, N. R., Sandi-Monroy, N., Kohgadai, N., Usmani, S. M., Hamil, K. G., Neidleman, J., Montano, M., Ständker, L., Röcker, A., Cavrois, M., Rosen, J., Marson, K., Smith, J. F., Pilcher, C. D., Gagsteiger, F., Sakk, O., O’Rand, M., Lishko, P. V., Kirchhoff, F., … Greene, W. C. (2017). Semen amyloids participate in spermatozoa selection and clearance. ELife, 6. CLOCKSS. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.24888
Liquefaction of Semen Generates and Later Degrades a Conserved Semenogelin Peptide That Enhances HIV Infection
Journal of Virology / Jul 01, 2014
Roan, N. R., Liu, H., Usmani, S. M., Neidleman, J., Müller, J. A., Avila-Herrera, A., Gawanbacht, A., Zirafi, O., Chu, S., Dong, M., Kumar, S. T., Smith, J. F., Pollard, K. S., Fändrich, M., Kirchhoff, F., Münch, J., Witkowska, H. E., & Greene, W. C. (2014). Liquefaction of Semen Generates and Later Degrades a Conserved Semenogelin Peptide That Enhances HIV Infection. Journal of Virology, 88(13), 7221–7234. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00269-14
Bone degradation machinery of osteoclasts: An HIV-1 target that contributes to bone loss
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences / Feb 20, 2018
Raynaud-Messina, B., Bracq, L., Dupont, M., Souriant, S., Usmani, S. M., Proag, A., Pingris, K., Soldan, V., Thibault, C., Capilla, F., Al Saati, T., Gennero, I., Jurdic, P., Jolicoeur, P., Davignon, J.-L., Mempel, T. R., Benichou, S., Maridonneau-Parini, I., & Vérollet, C. (2018). Bone degradation machinery of osteoclasts: An HIV-1 target that contributes to bone loss. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(11). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1713370115
Efficient Nef-Mediated Downmodulation of TCR-CD3 and CD28 Is Associated with High CD4 + T Cell Counts in Viremic HIV-2 Infection
Journal of Virology / May 01, 2012
Khalid, M., Yu, H., Sauter, D., Usmani, S. M., Schmokel, J., Feldman, J., Gruters, R. A., van der Ende, M. E., Geyer, M., Rowland-Jones, S., Osterhaus, A. D., & Kirchhoff, F. (2012). Efficient Nef-Mediated Downmodulation of TCR-CD3 and CD28 Is Associated with High CD4 + T Cell Counts in Viremic HIV-2 Infection. Journal of Virology, 86(9), 4906–4920. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.06856-11
Reacquisition of Nef-Mediated Tetherin Antagonism in a Single In Vivo Passage of HIV-1 through Its Original Chimpanzee Host
Cell Host & Microbe / Sep 01, 2012
Götz, N., Sauter, D., Usmani, S. M., Fritz, J. V., Goffinet, C., Heigele, A., Geyer, M., Bibollet-Ruche, F., Learn, G. H., Fackler, O. T., Hahn, B. H., & Kirchhoff, F. (2012). Reacquisition of Nef-Mediated Tetherin Antagonism in a Single In Vivo Passage of HIV-1 through Its Original Chimpanzee Host. Cell Host & Microbe, 12(3), 373–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2012.07.008
DOCK8 enforces immunological tolerance by promoting IL-2 signaling and immune synapse formation in Tregs
JCI Insight / Oct 05, 2017
Janssen, E., Kumari, S., Tohme, M., Ullas, S., Barrera, V., Tas, J. M. J., Castillo-Rama, M., Bronson, R. T., Usmani, S. M., Irvine, D. J., Mempel, T. R., & Geha, R. S. (2017). DOCK8 enforces immunological tolerance by promoting IL-2 signaling and immune synapse formation in Tregs. JCI Insight, 2(19). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.94298
Atomic force microscopy of microvillous cell surface dynamics at fixed and living alveolar type II cells
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry / Nov 30, 2010
Hecht, E., Usmani, S. M., Albrecht, S., Wittekindt, O. H., Dietl, P., Mizaikoff, B., & Kranz, C. (2010). Atomic force microscopy of microvillous cell surface dynamics at fixed and living alveolar type II cells. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 399(7), 2369–2378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-4407-z
HIV-1 Balances the Fitness Costs and Benefits of Disrupting the Host Cell Actin Cytoskeleton Early after Mucosal Transmission
Cell Host & Microbe / Jan 01, 2019
Usmani, S. M., Murooka, T. T., Deruaz, M., Koh, W. H., Sharaf, R. R., Di Pilato, M., Power, K. A., Lopez, P., Hnatiuk, R., Vrbanac, V. D., Tager, A. M., Allen, T. M., Luster, A. D., & Mempel, T. R. (2019). HIV-1 Balances the Fitness Costs and Benefits of Disrupting the Host Cell Actin Cytoskeleton Early after Mucosal Transmission. Cell Host & Microbe, 25(1), 73-86.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2018.12.008
The efficiency of Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 antagonism does not correlate with the potency of viral control in HIV-2-infected individuals
Retrovirology / Mar 05, 2013
Yu, H., Usmani, S. M., Borch, A., Krämer, J., Stürzel, C. M., Khalid, M., Li, X., Krnavek, D., van der Ende, M. E., Osterhaus, A. D., Gruters, R. A., & Kirchhoff, F. (2013). The efficiency of Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 antagonism does not correlate with the potency of viral control in HIV-2-infected individuals. Retrovirology, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-10-27
Molecular basis of early epithelial response to streptococcal exotoxin: role of STIM1 and Orai1 proteins
Cellular Microbiology / Dec 13, 2011
Usmani, S. M., von Einem, J., Frick, M., Miklavc, P., Mayenburg, M., Husmann, M., Dietl, P., & Wittekindt, O. H. (2011). Molecular basis of early epithelial response to streptococcal exotoxin: role of STIM1 and Orai1 proteins: Streptolysin O activates SOC entry. Cellular Microbiology, 14(3), 299–315. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1462-5822.2011.01724.x
2-APB and Capsazepine-induced Ca<sup>2+</sup> Influx Stimulates Clathrin-dependent Endocytosis in Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry / Jan 01, 2010
Usmani, S., Fois, G., Albrecht, S., von Aulock, S., Dietl, P., & Wittekindt, O. (2010). 2-APB and Capsazepine-induced Ca<sup>2+</sup> Influx Stimulates Clathrin-dependent Endocytosis in Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, 25(001), 091–102. https://doi.org/10.1159/000272064
Lentiviral Nef Proteins Manipulate T Cells in a Subset-Specific Manner
Journal of Virology / Feb 15, 2015
Yu, H., Khalid, M., Heigele, A., Schmökel, J., M. Usmani, S., van der Merwe, J., Münch, J., Silvestri, G., & Kirchhoff, F. (2015). Lentiviral Nef Proteins Manipulate T Cells in a Subset-Specific Manner. Journal of Virology, 89(4), 1986–2001. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.03104-14
Plasma Membrane Trafficking in Alveolar Type II Cells
Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry / Jan 01, 2010
Albrecht, S., Usmani, S., Dietl, P., & Wittekindt, O. (2010). Plasma Membrane Trafficking in Alveolar Type II Cells. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, 25(001), 081–090. https://doi.org/10.1159/000272053
Cancer cells relax and resist cytotoxic attack
Immunity / May 01, 2021
Usmani, S. M., & Mempel, T. R. (2021). Cancer cells relax and resist cytotoxic attack. Immunity, 54(5), 853–855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2021.04.017
HIV-enhancing Amyloids Are Prevalent in Fresh Semen and Are a Determinant for Semen's Ability to Enhance HIV Infection: Relevance for HIV Transmission
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses / Oct 01, 2014
Usmani, S., Liu, H., Pilcher, C. D., Witkowska, H. E., Kirchhoff, F., Greene, W. C., Münch, J., & Roan, N. R. (2014). HIV-enhancing Amyloids Are Prevalent in Fresh Semen and Are a Determinant for Semen’s Ability to Enhance HIV Infection: Relevance for HIV Transmission. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 30(S1), A183–A184. https://doi.org/10.1089/aid.2014.5392.abstract
Intravital Microscopy
Molecular Imaging / Jan 01, 2021
Usmani, S. M., & Mempel, T. R. (2021). Intravital Microscopy. In Molecular Imaging (pp. 167–192). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00011-9
Education
University of Konstanz
PhD, Molecular and Cell Biology / May, 2011
Harvard University
Postdoctoral fellow, Virology/Immunology / 2019
Experience
Cabaletta Bio
Scientific Director / 2024 — Present
I lead a research team in the preclinical R&D organization at Cabaletta bio. I directly manage a talented group of Senior Scientists, Scientists and Research Associates to spearhead and drive innovation in cell therapies and biologics in autoimmune disease indications.
Sana Biotechnology
Principal Scientist / 2022 — 2023
As a team lead, I led efforts to establish in vivo genome editing platform, vector design/engineering and optimization, with a broader goal to develop innovative and effective genomic medicine for unmet medical needs.
Zohdan Bio
Consultant / 2024 — Present
Providing strategic support for all aspects of preclinical, R&D programs in gene therapy, genome editing and virology and immunology space.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Senior Staff Scientist / 2019 — 2022
Principal Investigator on an NIH funded grant award to study virus-immune interaction and immune evasion mechanisms. I directed all project aspects including planning, writing, finance/budgeting, and supervision and mentoring of direct reports. Developed a novel multiphoton intravital imaging platform to study virus-immune cell interactions in vivo in lymphoid and mucosal tissues during acute stages of HIV infection.
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