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HIV is the causative agent of AIDS. We have developed tools to
study the infectivity of HIV and are using them to study the effects
of therapeutic agents, especially antibodies. Specific projects
are: Using these tools, we are developing:
1. Anti-HIV immunotoxins.
We have conjugated anti-HIV monoclonal antibodies to ricin A-chain
to kill HIV-infected cells. This form of therapy may have a place
in "activate and purge" protocols proposed to eliminate
HIV from reservoirs within the body.
2. Antiviral testing. Using a unique set of tools, we have established
drug-resistance assays and are also testing experimental agents
as potential antiviral drugs. Antiviral testing is performed both
in tissue culture and in mice.
3. Gene-based drug discovery. Using microarrays and regulation
of gene expression, we are targeting human genes used by HIV during
the course of infection.
4. Furin and HIV Env. We are studying
the effect of furin inhibition on the course of HIV infection.
5. Neutralizing antibodies. We have developed assays to measure
antibody-mediated neutralization of HIV. We collaborate with other
scientists developing novel immunogens.
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