Ayalew Mergia, Ph.D.
Professor
Infectious Disease and Pathology
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Ayalew Mergia, Ph.D. |
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Molecular Biology of Retroviruses; Gene Therapy The failure to target the latently human immunodeficiency (HIV) infected resting cells and the emergence of resistant viruses is a major impediment to drug therapy. An increasing prevalence of resistant viruses and the presence of latently infected resting CD4 cells carrying replication-competent HIV has been demonstrated in chronically infected individuals who are antiretroviral na•ve as well as in those who are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Our research goal is to develop effective strategies that can inhibit HIV replication and consequently limit AIDS pathogenesis. Using a foamy virus vector system as a vehicle to deliver antiviral genes we are targeting the viral genome as well as cellular factors involved in viral entry to combat HIV. In addition we are studying, using the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) model, virulence factors that influence virus replications and pathogenesis. |
Status: Inquire About New Students This Year Contact Information: office: V3-152, VAB lab: V3-228, VAB phone: 392-2239 X 3939 email: mergiaa@ufl.edu Home Page Biography: Education: Ph.D, Microbiology, University of California, Davis, 1990 Honors and Awards: The C. E. Corrnelius Young Investigator Award, 1998. University of Florida Research Foundation Professorship Award 2004 |
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