UTMB Department of Pathology

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HIV Pathogenesis

The HIV/AIDS Pathogenesis Research Laboratory is involved in investigation of HIV pathogenesis and treatment. A principle focus of my laboratory has been the mechanism of viral entry, in particular, the molecular determinants of envelope interactions responsible for efficient HIV entry. HIV infection is initiated high affinity binding to the T-cell receptor CD4, but a second interaction involving chemokine receptors is also required for efficient viral fusion and entry. We are currently investigating the role of CD63 in HIV entry. This is a cellular transmembrane molecule that we have shown to be required for efficient HIV entry into macrophages. Other current studies involve drug discovery for small molecule inhibitors of HIV replication. Another principle current research focus is investigation of HIV drug resistance, including mechanisms of resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors and the new fusion inhibitor, enfuvirtide (T-20). Our advances in HIV research have contributed to the understanding of mechanisms of HIV entry and replication, as well as to the application of plasma HIV quantitation and genotypic HIV drug resistance measurements to guide therapy in clinical practice.