Ben Berkhout

Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Ben Berkhout is a pioneering molecular virologist whose research has fundamentally shaped our understanding of HIV-1 replication, evolution, and pathogenesis. His work centers on the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 RNA biology, including the intricate processes of reverse transcription and RNA dimerization, and the development of innovative antiviral strategies such as RNA interference-based gene therapy. A key contribution is his leadership in the BEEHIVE project, which applies high-throughput deep sequencing to analyze nearly-complete viral genomes from over 3,000 HIV-1 infected Europeans, directly investigating the viral genetic determinants of virulence. This work, exemplified by his 2016 paper on RNA extraction methods for deep sequencing (25 citations), has enabled unprecedented insights into viral evolution and transmission dynamics. With a career spanning decades, Berkhout has authored hundreds of papers accumulating tens of thousands of citations, establishing him as a central figure in HIV research. His notable achievements include pioneering the use of RNAi to inhibit HIV replication and elucidating the role of the viral TAR element, making his work essential reading for anyone studying retrovirus biology or antiviral drug development.