Previous Projects

HIV Replication and Latency: The Role of DNA G-Quadruplexes

G-quadruplexes are guanine rich nucleic acid structures capable of forming a four-stranded structure. DNA G-quadruplexes have been identified in telomeric DNA as well as more recently in mammalian chromosomal DNA - and are considered attractive targets in anti-cancer drug development studies.

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HIV Vaccine Studies

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that inhibit infection by up to 90% of circulating strains of HIV have been described in some HIV-1 infected individuals, and shown to be capable of preventing virus infection in the SHIV/macaque model for HIV infection. Defining features of these bNAbs include extensive somatic hypermutation and high affinity for their cognate antigen

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Influenza Virus Polymerase: A Key to Viral Pathogenesis & Vaccine Development

The influenza A virus (IAV) RNA polymerase complex plays a key role in viral pathogenesis and host adaptation. This is exemplified by the fact that the current live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is derived from a cold-adapted virus that has attenuating mutations in the genes that encode the viral polymerase complex.

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Seminal Amyloid Fibrils: Innate Immune Mediators That Are Hijacked by HIV

The Semen-derived Enhancer of Viral Infection (SEVI) is a cationic amyloid fibril found in human semen, originally identified because of its ability to greatly enhance HIV-1 infection of target cells. SEVI is thought to mitigate the electrostatic repulsion between HIV and its target cells, thereby allowing HIV to more easily interact with target receptors on host cells.

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The CNS Reservoir of Infection and NeuroAIDS Research: Novel Therapeutics

HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) continue to affect more than 50% of persons living with HIV, despite the widespread use of effective antiviral drugs. This suggests that chronic, virally-initiated, neuroinflammation may persist over time – leading to neuronal disfunction and damage.

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