Grant: Op Gr: Innovative Biomedical and Clinical HIV/AIDS Research - New Investigators

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the vessels of our blood and lymphatic systems and direct traffic of immune cells between different tissues. ECs also enhance infection of HIV target cells that, on their own, resist HIV infection. However, the mechanisms behind this enhanced infection are unknown. This proposal aims to address this gap in knowledge by testing whether the molecules responsible for directing cell traffic are also responsible for enhancing cellular susceptibility to HIV infection. We will also look at changes in the genes expressed in both ECs and the HIV target cells, called CD4+ T cells, following interactions between the two cell types. This research will inform design of novel interventions that may block HIV infection and/or prevent disease progression in individuals who are already infected.