Dr. Jeffrey Michael Bethony's lab at George Washington University focuses on improving understanding and treatment of anal cancer, particularly as it relates to individuals living with HIV. His team manages the AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource, which collects and distributes a large number of biospecimens for research. The goal is to enhance screening, prevention, and treatment protocols through careful analysis of specimen data, ultimately benefiting public health initiatives related to HPV-associated cancers.

Katherine B Chiappinelli's lab at George Washington University explores how certain genetic elements called LINE-1 contribute to immune evasion in ovarian cancer. They focus on understanding the mechanisms behind the expression of these elements and their effects on the tumor microenvironment. The long-term goal of this research is to uncover new potential therapies for ovarian cancer that target these immune evasion mechanisms.

Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed Khan's lab at George Washington University studies how a type of immune cell, CD4 T cells, becomes less effective during chronic infections like toxoplasmosis. They investigate the molecular mechanisms that lead to CD4 T cell exhaustion and how restoring their function could improve immunity against infections. Their research aims to develop therapies that enhance immune responses in people with weakened immune systems, particularly those suffering from conditions like HIV.

Dr. Michael Bukrinsky's lab focuses on understanding how HIV infection affects the brain, particularly in relation to neurological disorders that arise despite effective anti-retroviral treatments. They are investigating the role of a protein called Nef in disrupting cholesterol metabolism in neurons, which may contribute to cognitive impairments experienced by individuals living with HIV. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate these neurological issues and enhance the quality of life for affected patients.

Tristan Xavier Jordan's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how microbial eukaryotes, particularly Acanthamoeba, defend against viral infections. By investigating the antiviral systems of these organisms, the lab aims to uncover new microbial antiviral strategies and technologies that could have significant implications for biotechnology and medicine. The research combines various advanced techniques, including protein structure prediction and metatranscriptomics, to explore the complex interactions between viruses and their eukaryotic hosts.

Dr. Sanjay B. Maggirwar's lab at George Washington University focuses on understanding how platelets contribute to the persistence of HIV infections, particularly in the brain. The research investigates viral reservoirs in the central nervous system of people living with HIV, aiming to develop strategies to eliminate these reservoirs. By studying SIV-infected rhesus macaques, the lab explores the complex interactions between the immune system and HIV, which could be crucial for finding a cure.

Dr. Aakanksha Jain's lab focuses on understanding how the nervous system and immune system interact to influence pain and inflammation in autoimmune arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. The lab's research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of joint inflammation and pain, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing this debilitating condition. Students will be involved in cutting-edge research that combines neuroscience and immunology, utilizing advanced techniques to explore these critical interactions.

Dr. Matthew R. Parsek's lab at the University of Washington studies how bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa form biofilms and establish infections. They specifically investigate how different internal signals affect the bacteria's ability to stick to surfaces and communicate with each other. Understanding these processes can help develop new therapies for managing infections.