University of Alabama at Birmingham · Microbiology & Immunology

Cannabinoid Immunology and Gene Therapy Lab

J. Victor Garcia-Martinez · Birmingham, Alabama

Research Focus

Dr. J. Victor Garcia-Martinez's lab focuses on understanding the effects of cannabinoids on HIV infection, particularly in the brain, and developing gene and cell therapies for curing HIV. The research explores how substances like cannabis can modulate immune responses in people living with HIV and aims to improve therapeutic strategies to eliminate the virus from reservoirs within the body.

HIVcannabisgene therapyHLA-Eimmune modulation

Research Aims

AIM 01Investigate the impact of cannabinoids on CD4+ T cell function in the brain during HIV infection.

AIM 02Evaluate the efficacy of novel gene therapies targeting HLA-E in reducing HIV reservoirs.

AIM 03Assess how cannabis use affects HIV latency and persistence in the CNS.

Skills the Lab Values

cell culturemouse modelsgene editingPCRflow cytometry

Cannabinoid Immunology and Gene Therapy Lab

Research Focus

Research Aims

Skills the Lab Values

Output against the department