Dr. Markus Thali's lab at the University of Vermont focuses on understanding how the HIV virus spreads in the body, specifically by studying small clusters of infected T cells called syncytia. These syncytia can form as early as the initial stages of infection and may play a significant role in the virus's ability to infect healthy cells. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques and biological assays to explore the movement and behavior of these syncytia, aiming to uncover new strategies to combat HIV.