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HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch

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Research

The HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch (HAMB) conducts laboratory and clinical research in AIDS-related malignancies, HIV disease, and viral-induced tumors. The principal aims of this translational research program are to develop novel therapies for these diseases based on an understanding of their pathogenesis. Clinical research is currently directed towards AIDS-related malignancies as well as the underlying HIV infection. Much of the research effort in HAMB is directed at the viruses that cause HIV-related malignancies or HIV. Some areas of laboratory focus include Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also called human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) (Drs. Zheng, Ziegelbauer, and Yarchoan); studies of HIV drug resistance (Dr. Mitsuya); studies of the effects of KSHV-encoded microRNA (Dr. Ziegelbauer); the regulation of splicing in human papilloma virus (HPV) and KSHV (Dr. Zheng); interaction between cellular and viral genes (Drs. Zheng, Ziegelbauer, and Yarchan); and the effects of hypoxia and redox on KSHV and HIV (Dr. Yarchoan and Dr. Davis). Some areas of clinical focus include antiangiogenesis and other targeted approaches for Kaposi's sarcoma; studies of KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD); studies of HIV-associated central nervous system lymphoma; and vaccine approaches for HIV infection; and novel anti-HIV therapies.

Investigators in the branch have previously made substantial contributions to the development of such AIDS therapies as zidovudine (AZT), didanosine (ddI), and zalcitabine (ddC), and paclitaxel for the therapy of Kaposi's sarcoma. Accomplishments during the past several years have included: the identification of interleukin-12 (IL-12) as an active agent for Kaposi's sarcoma; the identification of a novel protease inhibitor and nucleoside analog as anti-HIV agents; the identification of the transcriptional program of KSHV; the elucidation of gene splicing in key HPV and KSHV genes; and the role of hypoxia inactivating KSHV infection. The branch provides a unique environment in which to conduct translational research on AIDS-related malignancies and HIV. Training opportunities are available for laboratory and clinical research. The clinical work in HAMB is done in conjunction with the Medical Oncology Branch. Members of the branch have collaborations with Dr. Denise Whitby of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Giovanna Tosato of the Basic Research Laboratory; and a number of other researchers both within and outside the NCI. In addition, members of the branch coordinate their clinical AIDS malignancy with the NCI-sponsored AIDS Malignancies Consortium.


This page was last updated on 11/19/2009.