HIV/AIDS Research
Summary of HIV/AIDS Activities within the MBI Department
HIV/AIDS research is a major focus of research both within the department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology (MBI), and in collaboration with other departments within MSM and others at research institutions throughout the world. The following is a summary of the major projects as well as related spin-off projects currently under way by MBI faculty.
The Nef Pathogenesis Group
The Morehouse School of Medicine HIV-1 Nef Pathogenesis Group is comprised of three
MBI faculty (Dr. Vincent C. Bond, Dr. Michael D. Powell and Gale W. Newman), and has
represented a major source of student and postdoctoral training within the school
(including the school's only National Research Service Award predoctoral fellow).
Members of the group have also been appointed as investigators within the Emory/Morehouse
Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). The major focus of research by this group has centered
on the hypothesis that secreted Nef protein plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis
of HIV/AIDS. It has also served as a genesis for investigations into other major focus
areas, including Nephropathy, Cancer, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Immunotherapy.