Head

Dr Melissa Churchill, BSc(Hons), PhD

Co-Head

Professor Steven Wesselingh, BMBS, FRACP, PhD

Collaborators

Associate Professor Paul Gorry, BAppSc(Hons), PhD
Ms Luxshimi Lal, BAppSc

Students

Mr Daniel Cowley, BAppSci(Hons)
Dr Edwina Wright, MBBS, FRACP
Mr Lachlan Gray, BSc(Hons)
Ms Jasminka Sterjovski, BSc(Hons)

 

Research Overview

The major focus of researchers in the HIV Neuropathogenesis Laboratory is the understanding of the mechanisms involved HIV infection of the brain and the development of HIV associated dementia. HIV dementia is thought to be due to indirect effects of HIV infection of the brain, including the production of cytokines and other neurotoxins in the central nervous system (CNS). We use various molecular approaches to identify both viral and host determinants which facilitate HIV infection of the brain resulting in a loss in neuronal function and development neurocognitive impairment.

The involvement of astrocyte infection in the development of AIDS-related dementia is being investigated. Astrocytes are the support cells of the brain, a function typically lost following HIV-1 infection. The unique regulatory mechanisms which facilitate the infection of astrocytes, adversely effecting normal astrocyte function, and allowing for the establishment of a latent reservoir are being examined.

Understanding how HIV replicates in and destroys cells of the central nervous system and the role of astrocytes in the development of HIV dementia may facilitate the development of novel ways to prevent replication of the virus in the brain.

 

Research Objectives

• To study the role of the HIV-1 LTR in HIV neuropathogenesis
• To determine the degree of astrocyte infection in the brain and their contribution to the development of HIV dementia
• To determine the role of HIV Nef and Tat proteins in HIV neurovirulence
• Investigate the role and phenotype of brain dendritic cells in various neurological diseases

 

Research Highlights

• Demonstrated the presence of integrated HIV-1 DNA in astrocytes and macrophages isolated from the brain of patients who died with HIV associated dementia, demonstrating conclusively that astrocytes within the brain of HIV infected individuals can be infected and do harbour replication competent HIV-1
• Using laser capture technology, established an assay allowing for the detection and analysis of HIV-1 from single cells within brain and other tissues from HIV-1 infected individuals