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Luban Lab Research Interests

We investigate mechanisms of HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis. The simplicity of the viral genome renders HIV-1 replication absolutely dependent upon host cell machinery. Similarly, pathology associated with HIV-1 infection necessarily results from a finite set of interactions among cellular factors and the nine total HIV-1 genes. Using genetic and biochemical techniques we identify and characterize cellular factors and machinery that contribute to viral replication and pathogenesis. In the process we exploit HIV-1, using the virus as a probe of basic cellular functions. More specifically these cellular functions include the assembly and subcellular localization of macromolecular complexes, regulation of cell cycle progression, reverse transcription, genetic recombination, cytokine expression, and antigen presentation. Our research is basic in nature but by shedding light on mechanisms of HIV-1 replication and immune system evasion we hope to contribute to the development of drugs and vaccines that target this virus, as well as other disease states.