Drexel University College of Medicine

A major focus of our research program is the identification of mechanisms that promote the decline of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes during the acute and chronic stages of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We have previously demonstrated that HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells from patients with HIV infection are extremely susceptible to CD95/Fas-induced programmed cell death. Our group has also found that CD4+ T cells in HIV-1 infection are sensitive to CD95/Fas-mediated apoptosis and that this may impact viral control. My work involves elucidating the factors underlying the apoptosis sensitivity of HIV-1-specific T lymphocytes and developing strategies that may increase the survival, as well as the function of these cells.

 

Our laboratory is also engaged in developing interventions to reduce or prevent HIV-1 transmission. In this regard, we are assessing a new class of dual-action microbicides that are potent HIV-1 inhibitors and blockers of the innate immune signaling required for the initial expansion of virus from the portal of entry to systemic sites of infection. Our pre-clinical investigations of these agents involve thorough evaluations of anti-HIV/SIV and immunomodulatory activities, as well as toxicity. Studies with non-human primates will be conducted to evaluate in vivo efficacy. My work will further characterize the inhibitory capacity of these novel compounds against HIV-1 and explore their mechanism(s) of action.