Mirko Paiardini completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Urbino, Italy. Before joining Yerkes, Dr. Paiardini was a research associate in the laboratory of Dr. Guido Silvestri at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

His research program focuses on studies of HIV/AIDS pathogenesis. He follow a comparative approach using humans and nonhuman primate models of pathogenic and nonpathogenic HIV/SIV infections with the aims to define the immunological features allowing SIV-infected natural hosts to avoid progression to AIDS. One of the main interests is on the homeostatic regulation of CD4+ T cell subsets. His recent work suggests that preservation of Th17 cell homeostasis, particularly at the mucosal sites, and low levels of SIV infection in central memory CD4+ T cells are two main mechanisms contributing to the ability of sooty mangabeys to remain AIDS-free despite supporting high levels of viral replication. Our efforts are now directed in translating this new knowledge in new immune modulatory approaches to ameliorate the course of disease in HIV-infected individuals.