Dr. Hisashi Akiyama's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how HIV RNA and its modifications contribute to chronic inflammation in people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy. The lab investigates the mechanisms by which HIV RNA triggers immune responses that lead to complications such as neurocognitive disorders. By studying these processes, the lab aims to develop novel treatments that can minimize inflammation and improve the health outcomes of individuals with HIV.

The lab of Dr. John H. Connor at Boston University focuses on developing new antiviral medications targeting poxviruses, including those that cause smallpox and mpox. The team is working on a new class of antiviral compounds known as pyridopyrimidinones, which aim to inhibit viral replication by interfering with viral RNA synthesis. By utilizing various in vitro and animal models, the lab hopes to create effective, safe treatments for poxviral infections that are crucial for public health.

Dr. Robert A. Davey's lab at Boston University focuses on studying emerging infectious diseases in a highly secure biocontainment facility. The lab conducts innovative research to develop diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to protect public health. It also trains the next generation of scientists to handle high-risk pathogens safely.

Dr. Gummuluru's lab focuses on understanding how infections like HIV and substances like opioids lead to increased inflammation in the brain, which can result in cognitive problems for patients. By studying specialized brain immune cells known as microglia, the lab seeks to identify the molecular mechanisms that trigger inflammation when these two factors are present together. This research aims to inform new therapies that can help manage cognitive impairments in individuals with both HIV and opioid use disorders.

Rachel Fearns' lab focuses on understanding how viruses, particularly the human parainfluenza virus, replicate their genomes and produce RNA. They investigate the structural and molecular mechanics underlying viral transcription and replication, especially how these processes are regulated. The goal is to better understand these mechanisms to aid in the development of antiviral therapies.