Benjamin completed his undergraduate training in Biochemistry at Oxford before undertaking a PhD at the University of Cambridge, where he investigated the molecular mechanisms by which Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes and maintains latency: a fascinating aspect of the viral lifecycle where the virus can temporarily switch itself off. Benjamin then worked at the Cleveland Clinic in the USA for several years before returning to Cambridge to contribute to the COVID-19 pandemic response. 

Benjamin currently holds a Wellcome Early Career Award, where he studies the role of oxygen sensing in HCMV behaviour. He loves talking about viruses which includes news articles, radio and podcast interviews. 

Other Positions:

Chair, EDI and Research Culture Committee for Department of Medicine

Editor, Frontiers In Cellular & Infection Microbiology

Key Publications

·  Krishna BA et al. (2024) — Spontaneous, persistent, T cell–dependent IFN-γ release in patients who progress to Long Covid. Science Advances

·  Krishna BA et al. (2022) — Retrospective Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Long COVID by Measuring Specific T Cell Mediated IL-2 Release. EBioMedicine

·  Krishna BA et al. (2019) — Human cytomegalovirus G-protein coupled receptor US28 promotes latency by attenuating c-fos. PNAS

·  Krishna BA et al. (2017) — Latency-associated expression of human cytomegalovirus US28 attenuates cell signaling pathways to maintain latent infection. mBio

·  Krishna BA et al. (2017) — Targeting the latent cytomegalovirus reservoir with an antiviral fusion toxin protein. Nature Communications