Laboratory of Immunoregulation
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.
Director, NIAID
Chief, Laboratory of Immunoregulation
Description of Research Program
The major theme of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation (LIR) continues to be the elucidation of cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the human immune response in health and disease. A major component of these efforts is the study of the immunopathogenic mechanisms of HIV infection and disease progression.
The rational design of strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of HIV infection depends on delineating how HIV destroys the immune system. Our investigation of host factors involved in the evolution of HIV disease indicates that HIV pathogenesis is a multifactorial and multiphasic process. Particularly important aspects of this process that are under intense investigation include
- Regulation of HIV replication by endogenous cytokines and chemokines
- Regulation of expression of HIV coreceptors
- HIV envelope-mediated intracellular signaling events responsible for immune dysfunction
- The role of a latent, inducible reservoir of HIV-infected cells in the pathogenesis of HIV disease and its implication for antiretroviral therapy
- Contribution of HIV-infected T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, monocyte/macrophages, and multipotent progenitor cells to disease pathogenesis
- The role of immunomodulation in immune reconstitution during antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection
Studies on the fundamental nature of normal B-cell and T-cell activation continue to be important ongoing components of the LIR research agenda. Progress continues to be made in understanding the role of dysregulated immunity in the vasculitic syndromes, allowing the design and execution of rational therapeutic strategies for these disease states.
Major Areas of Research
- Study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HIV immunopathogenesis
- Clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection and its complications and the development of methods for immunologic reconstitution in HIV-infected individuals
- International studies of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases
- Study of the regulation of the human immune system, particularly the cellular and molecular mechanisms of activation, proliferation, and differentiation of human T- and B-cells
- Study of cellular gene expression during activation of human T- and B-cells
- Study of the pathogenesis and treatment of a variety of immune-mediated diseases, particularly the entire spectrum of the vasculitic syndromes
Office of the Chief
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.
B-Cell Molecular Immunology Section
John H. Kehrl, M.D.
Clinical and Molecular Retrovirology Section
H. Clifford Lane, M.D.
Clinical Research Section
Richard Davey, M.D.
HIV-Specific Immunity Section
Mark Connors, M.D.
Immune Activation Section
Ulrich K. Siebenlist, Ph.D.
Immunopathogenesis Section
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.
International HIV and STD Unit
Thomas C. Quinn, M.D.
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