Development of novel gene transfer tools and small animal models for the study of HIV, cancer, vaccines and immuno-therapeutic strategies.
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that synthesize DNA inside the host cell and then incorporate it into the chromosome by a process called reverse transcription and integration. My lab studies the life cycle of retroviruses, in particular, the retrovirus which causes AIDS, also known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The current research interest is focused on the development of novel gene transfer tools, experimenting with small animal models, and developing HIV and cancer vaccines and immuno-therapeutic strategies.
We are interested in characterizing cellular and immune modulatory factors that are essential to the development of protective immunity targeting HIV and cancer. My laboratory has established reagents
and protocols for improved lentiviral vector gene transfer, siRNA delivery and high-titer vector production.
The goal of my research is to translate basic scientific discovery into clinical applications.
