Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

This project aims to characterize how HIV affects normal cell-to-cell communication in the immune system. Recently, a novel cell communicating molecule, interleukin-27 (IL-27), was discovered to play a role in regulation of immune responses. IL-27 is related to a previously well-described cell communicating molecule, IL-12. In the setting of HIV infection, levels of IL-12 circulating in the immune system decrease, resulting in loss of IL-12 function. Interestingly, several studies have looked at administering IL-12 as an HIV therapy, and have proven effective. My study is new in that I am interested in investigating how HIV affects IL-27. This project is based on the premise that IL-27 levels may also be diminished in HIV infection, just like the related IL-12. This work is significant because it will provide valuable initial insights as to the potential for IL-27-related therapies. Two recent studies have shown that IL-27 can significantly inhibit HIV replication. Since IL-27 has such anti-HIV properties, it could potentially be an effective anti-HIV therapy to administer to patients. However, before the potential for IL-27 administration be explored further, this project is a critical first step. This study will identify how IL-27 is affected in HIV infection, including whether the levels of circulating IL-27 in the immune system are normal or abnormal. Therefore, not only will this project explore the potential for new HIV therapies, it will also identify potential new prognostic indicators in HIV infection.