ORIP/NIH · $400,000

1R21OD031229-01 : "Mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of CD4 down-regulation in African green monkeys."

African green monkeys, which are natural hosts of SIV, reduce target cell number by down-regulating CD4. Our proposed studies will examine the molecular events governing this evolved phenomenon and seek to harness this mechanism in progressive hosts to render cells resistant to SIV infection. In the long-term, this project will pave the way for in vivo transfer of virus-resistant T cells, akin to similar HIV-1 cure approaches aimed at populating the host with CCR5-deficient T cells.

NIAID/NIH · $5.1 million

5R01AI167644: "Role of RhCMV in shaping the SIV proviral landscape."

Despite the profound benefit of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to patient quality of life, HIV-1 remains an incurable infection. Our proposed studies aim to examine the role of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in promoting the proliferation of latent HIV-1 infected memory CD4 T cells. In the long-term, the proposed studies will hope to provide a rationale for current well- tolerated CMV antivirals recently approved by the FDA to accelerate clearance of the latent HIV-1 reservoir.

Past Funding.

Title Agency Amount Projects Publications