Grant: Operating Grant - PA: HIV/AIDS Research Initiative - Biomedical/Clinical Stream

We are proposing to investigate the consequence(s) of biological and pathological interactions that may occur between HIV-1 and the protozoan parasite Leishmania within natural targets of both pathogens (i.e. macrophages and dendritic cells). It is crucial to improve our understanding of the complex interactions which may occur between both infectious agents because Leishmania is considered as an emerging disease in at least 30 countries worldwide where HIV-1 is frequently prevalent. It is anticipated that the data from the planned studies described herein will contribute also to our overall understanding of the immunopathogenesis and mechanisms of HIV-1 transmission. A better comprehension regarding the impact of a co-infecting agent such as Leishmania on HV-1 biology is crucial because in countries where antiretroviral drug are not widely available there is also a high incidence of opportunistic and endemic infectious diseases such as leishmaniasis.