The focus of Dr. Ashkars research is to develop methods to empower patents own natural defense against chronic viral infections and tumors. Dr. Ashkars research team have developed a method to expand a cell population, called natural Killer cells (NKs), outside of our body and turn them against tumor cells or cells infected with virus. These cells can be empowered and transferred into patients body. During chronic viral infections or cancer, patients natural immunity is often weakened. By increasing the number and potency of patients own NK cells, tumor cells or virally infected cells can be eliminated with minimal side effects.