What We Do

Contact Us

A portrait photo
Jeffrey Lifson, M.D. Director, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program
301-846-1408

Overview

The Retrovirus-Cell Interaction Section uses both in vitro and in vivo studies to define the characteristics and potential of cellular immune control of AIDS virus infection. Our researchers study the interactions between AIDS viruses and their host cells, focusing on SIV and rhesus macaque T cell systems. We apply cellular engineering to optimize expression of SIV-specific T cell receptors and tissue-homing receptors. The laboratory studies the ability of cellular immune responses to control AIDS virus infection in different experimental settings. 

Focus

Cellular engineering 

  • Utilize adoptive cell therapy to understand the potential and limits of cellular immune control of AIDS virus infection.

  • Optimize molecular engineering of primary macaque lymphocytes to confer desired in vivo antiviral properties. 

  • Engineer primary macaque lymphocytes to express chemokine homing receptors to direct their trafficking to key sites of viral replication.