Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine

Herbert W. Virgin IV

Professor
Phone, office: (314)-362-9223
Phone, lab: (314)-362-9224
FAX: (314)-362-4096
email: virgin@immunology.wustl.edu

Room 1754, West Building
Department of Pathology
Washington University School of Medicine
Campus Box 8118
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110-1093.

Research Interests | CV | Publications| Technology for licensing

Research Interests

We study issues at the interface between virology and immunology, working from the hypothesis that viruses manipulate the immune response as the immune response attempts to eradicate the virus. Analysis of these issues is key to understanding chronic diseases caused by viruses. Two concepts drive our approach: (1) the simultaneous analysis of immune and viral mechanisms allows novel insights; and (2) genetic tests in vivo are necessary to establish mechanisms. The experimental models used in the lab are infection of mice with the herpesviruses murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (gHV68). In addition, we have found a novel Norwalk-like virus (norovirus) in mice that is under intensive study. HSV, MCMV, and _HV68 establish latency despite active immunity. gHV68 induces lymphoma, vasculitis, and atherosclerosis providing models for studying the role of viral and host genes in important disease processes. Lastly, we are searching for novel human pathogens.

Current projects include: (1) the cellular and molecular basis of herpesvirus latency; (2) the role of IFNg, perforin, granzymes, B cells, antibody, and T cells in herpesvirus latency; (3) vaccination against latency; (4) molecular mechanisms of IFNg anti-viral action; (5) herpesvirus tumor induction; (6) herpesvirus-induced vascular disease and atherosclerosis; (7) herpesvirus immune evasion proteins that block antigen presentation and interferon signaling; (8) herpesvirus regulators of apoptosis including the gHV68 v-bcl-2; and (9) norovirus immunology, structure, and pathogenesis; and (10) pathogen discovery.

Keywords: HERPESVIRUS, CANCER, ATHEROSCLEROSIS, PATHOGENESIS, NORWALK

CV


Present position
2002- Professor of Pathology and Immunology
Professor of Molecular Microbiology
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Education and Clinical Training
1974-1977 AB in Biology, magna cum laude, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusettes
1977-1978 Special Student, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusettes
1979-1985 MD, PhD (PhD in Immunology), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusettes. Advisor: Dr. Emil Unanue.
1986-1990 Resident in Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusettes.
1986-1990 Post-doctoral Fellow with Dr. Bernard Fields, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
1990-1991 Fellowship in Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Professional Experience and Appointments
1990-1991 Instructor, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
1991-1996 Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pathology, and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
1996-1998 Assistant Professor of Pathology and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
1998-2001 Associate Professor of Pathology and Immunology
Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
2002- Professor of Pathology and Immunology
Professor of Molecular Microbiology
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Honors
1985  Sheard Sanford Award for top medical student publication in a national competition, American Society of Clinical Pathologists
1991 Burroughs Wellcome Young Investigator in Virology
1991 Pfizer Scholar
1994-1997 American Cancer Society Junior Faculty Research Award #JFRA-525, PI
1995-1997 Mallinckrodt Scholar
1998  American Society for Clinical Investigation
1999-2004 Cell Cycle and Growth Control Study Section, American Cancer Society
2001 Mentorship Award, Academic Women's Network, Washington University School of Medicine
2002- Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award, Washington University School of Medicine
2003 Chair, Cell Cycle and Growth Control Study Section, American Cancer Society

Editorial Responsibilities
1997- Advisory Editor, Journal of Experimental Medicine
1997-1998 Primary Reviewer, Journal of Immunology
2000- Editorial Board, Journal of Virology
2000-2002 Editorial Board, Virology
2002- Consulting Editor, Journal of Clinical Investigation
2003- Editorial Board, Public Library of Science Biology, HTTP://www.plos.org
2003- Faculty of 1000, HTTP://faculty of 1000.com
Ad Hoc
Reviewer:		 Microbial Pathogenesis, Journal of Infectious Diseases, Journal of Immunology, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Nature Medicine, Immunity

Professional Society Membership
1989- American Society for Virology
1989- American Society for Microbiology
1990- American Association of Immunologists
1998- American Society for Clinical Investigation

University Appointments and Committees
1993-1999 Course Master, Biol 5261: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Washington University Division of Biomedical Sciences
1996- Chairman, Biohazard Animal Facility Committee
1998 Division of Comparative Medicine Oversight Committee
1999-2002  Microbiology Department Faculty Search Committee
1999-2001 Chair, Structural Biologist Search Committee
1999- Immunology Program Steering Committee
2001- Course Head, Fundamentals of Immunology
2002- Medical Scientist Training Program Admissions Committee
2003- Sub-Committee on Gender Equity, Washington University School of Medicine
2003- Grant Review Committee, Washington University/Pharmacia Biomed Program
2003- Institutional Representative for American Association of Clinical Investigators (ASCI)

Teaching
1993-99  Course Master, Biol 5261: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

Publications

A. Peer reviewed manuscripts
  1. Virgin, H. W., and E. R. Unanue. Suppression of the immune response to Listeria monocytogenes I. Immune complexes inhibit resistance. 1984. J. Immunol. 133:104-109.
  2. Virgin, H. W., G. F. Wittenberg, G. J. Bancroft, and E. R. Unanue. Suppression of the immune response to listeria monocytogenes II. Studies on the mechanism(s) of immune complex suppression. 1985. Infect. Immun. 50:343-353.
  3. Virgin, H. W., G. F. Wittenberg, and E. R. Unanue. Immune complex effects on murine macrophages I. Immune complexes suppress gamma interferon induction of Ia expression. 1985. J. Immunol.135:3735-3743.
  4. Virgin, H. W., E. A. Kurt-Jones, G. F. Wittenberg, and E. R. Unanue. Immune complex effects on murine macrophages II. Immune complex effects on activated macrophages, cytotoxicity, membrane IL-1, and antigen presentation. 1985. J. Immunol. 135:3744-3749.
  5. Kurt-Jones, E. A., H. W. Virgin, and E. R. Unanue. Relationship of macrophage Ia and membrane IL-1 expression to antigen presentation. 1985. J. Immunol. 135:3652-3654.
  6. Kurt-Jones, E. A., H. W. Virgin, and E. R. Unanue. In vivo and in vitro expression of macrophage membrane interleukin-1 in response to soluble and particulate stimuli. 1986. J. Immunol. 137:10-14.
  7. Virgin, H. W., R. Bassel-Duby, B. N. Fields, and K. L. Tyler. Antibody protects against lethal infection with the neurally spreading reovirus Type 3 (Dearing). 1988. J. Virol. 62:4594-4604.
  8. Tyler, K. L., H. W. Virgin, R. Bassel-Duby, and B. N. Fields. Antibody inhibits defined stages in the pathogenesis of reovirus serotype 3 infection of the central nervous system. 1989. J. Exp. Med. 170:887-900.
  9. Virgin, H. W., and K. L. Tyler. The role of immune cells in protection against and control of reovirus infection in neonatal mice. J. Virol. 1991; 65:5157-5164.
  10. Virgin, H. W., M. A. Mann, B. N. Fields, and K. L. Tyler. Monoclonal antibodies to reovirus reveal structure/function relationships between capsid proteins and genetics of susceptibility to antibody action. 1991. J. Virol. 65:6772-6781.
  11. Cieslak, P. R., H. W. Virgin, and S. L. Stanley. A severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model for infection with Entamoeba histolytica. 1992. J. Exp. Med. 176:1605-1609.
  12. Tyler, K. L., M. A. Mann, B. N. Fields, and H. W. Virgin. Protective anti-reovirus monoclonal antibodies and their effects on viral pathogenesis. 1993. J. Virol. 67:3446-3453.
  13. Sherry, B., X.-Y. Li, K. L. Tyler, J. M. Cullen, and H. W. Virgin. Lymphocytes protect against, and are not required for, reovirus-induced myocarditis. 1993. J. Virol. 67:6119-6124.
  14. Virgin, H. W., M. A. Mann, and K. L. Tyler. Protective antibodies inhibit reovirus internalization and uncoating by intracellular proteases. 1994. J. Virol. 68:6719-6729.
  15. Haller, B. L., M. L.. Barkon, G. P. Vogler, and H. W. Virgin. Genetic mapping of reovirus virulence and organ tropism in severe combined immunodeficient mice: Organ specific virulence genes. 1995. J. Virol. 69:357-364.
  16. Heise, M. T., and H. W. Virgin. The T-cell-independent role of gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha in macrophage activation during murine cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus infections. 1995. J. Virol. 69:904-909.
  17. Pollock, J. L. and H. W. Virgin. Latency without persistence of murine cytomegalovirus in spleen and kidney. 1995. J. Virol. 69:1762-1768.
  18. 18. Haller, B.L. M. L. Barkon, X-Y. Li, W. M. Hu, J. D. Wetzel, T. S. Dermody, and H. W. Virgin. Brain and intestine-specific variants of reovirus serotype 3 strain Dearing are selected during chronic infection of severe combined immunodeficient mice. 1995. J. Virol. 69:3933-3937.
  19. Barkon, M. L. B. L. Haller, and H. W. Virgin. Circulating IgG can play a critical role in clearance of intestinal virus infection. 1996. J. Virol. 70:1109-1116.
  20. Cavanaugh,V. J., Stenberg, R. M., Staley, T. L., Virgin, H. W., MacDonald, M. R., Paetzold,S., Farrell, H. E., Rawlinson, W. D., and A. E. Campbell. Murine cytomegalovirus deleted of genes spanning Hind III J and I displays altered cell and tissue tropism. 1996. J. Virol. 7 0:1365-1374.
  21. Weck, K. E., M. L. Barkon, L. I. Yoo, S. H. Speck, and H. W. Virgin. Mature B cells are required for acute splenic infection, but not for establishment of latency, by murine gammaherpesvirus 68. 1996. J. Virol. 70: 6775-6780.
  22. Pollock, J. L.,  R. M. Presti, S. Paetzold,  H. W. Virgin. Latent murine cytomegalovirus infection in macrophages. 1997. Virology 227:168-179.
  23. MacDonald, M. R., X.-Y. Li, and  H. W. Virgin. Late expression of a ? chemokine homolog by murine cytomegalovirus. 1997. J. Virol. 71:1671-1678.
  24. Virgin, H. W. P. Latreille, P. Wamsley, K. Hallsworth, K. E. Weck, A. J. Dal Canto, and S. H. Speck. Complete sequence and genomic analysis of murine gammaherpesvirus 68. 1997. J. Virol. 71:5894-5904.
  25. Weck, K. E., A. J. Dal Canto, J. D. Gould, A. K. OâGuin, K. A. Roth, J. E. Saffitz, S. H. Speck and H. W. Virgin. Murine gamma-herpesvirus-68 causes severe large vessel arteritis in mice lacking interferon-gamma responsiveness: a new model for virus induced vascular disease. 1997. Nature Medicine. 3(12):1346-1353.
  26. MacDonald, M. R., X.-Y. Li, R. M. Stenberg, A. E. Campbell, and H. W. Virgin. Mucosal and parenteral vaccination against acute and latent murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) using an attenuated MCMV mutant. 1998. J. Virol. 72:442-451.
  27. Heise, M. T., Pollock, J. L., OâGuin, A., Barkon, M. B., Bromley, S., and H. W. Virgin. Murine cytomegalovirus infection inhibits IFN?-induced MHC class II expression on macrophages: The role of type I interferon. 1998. Virology. 241:331-344.
  28. Heise, M.T., Connick, M., and H. W. Virgin.  Murine cytomegalovirus inhibits interferon-gamma induced antigen presentation to CD4 T cells by macrophages via regulation of expression of MHC class II associated genes. 1998. J. Exp. Med. 187:1037-1046.
  29. Presti, R.M., Pollock, J. L., Dal Canto, A. J., O'Guin, A. K., and H. W. Virgin. Interferon-gamma regulates acute and latent murine cytomegalovirus infection and chronic disease of the great vessels. 1998. J. Exp. Med. 188(3): 577-588.
  30. Virgin, H. W., Presti, R. M., Li, X.-Y., Liu, C., and S. H. Speck.  Three distinct regions of the murine gamma-herpesvirus 68 (gammaHV68) genome are transcriptionally active in latently infected mice. 1999.  J. Virol. 73(3):2321-2332.
  31. Weck, K. E., Kim, S. S., Virgin, H. W., and S.H. Speck.  Macrophages are the major reservoir of latent murine gammaHV68 in peritoneal cells. 1999. J. Virol. 73(4):3273-3283.
  32. Leib, D. A., Harrison, T. E., Laslo, K. M., Machalek, M. A., Moorman, N. J., and H. W. Virgin. Interferons regulate the phenotype of wild-type and mutant herpes simplex viruses in vivo. 1999. J. Exp. Med. 189(4):663-672.
  33. MacDonald M. R., M. W. Burney, S. B. Resnick, and H. W. Virgin. 1998. Spliced mRNA encoding murine cytomegalovirus chemokine homolog predicts a beta chemokine of novel structure. 1999. J. Virol. 73(5):3682-3691.
  34. Van Berkel, V., Preiter, K., Virgin, H. W., and S. H. Speck. Identification and initial characterization of a murine ?HV68 gene encoding an abundantly secreted protein. 1999. J. Virol. 73(5): 4524-4529.
  35. Van Dyk, L., Katz, J. D., Liu, C., Jacoby, M., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. The murine gamma-herpesvirus 68 v-cyclin is an oncogene that promotes cell cycle progression in primary lymphocytes. 1999. J. Virol. 73(6): 4651-4661.
  36. Weck, K. E., Kim, S. S., Virgin, H. W., and  S.H. Speck.  B cells regulate murine gamma HV68 latency. 1999. J. Virol. 73(6): 5110-5122.
  37. Hanson, L. K., Slater, J. S., Karabekian, K., Virgin, H. W., Biron, C.A., Ruzek, M.C., van Rooijen, N., R.P. Ciavarra, Stenberg, R. M., and A.E. Campbell.  Replication of murine cytomegalovirus in differentiated macrophages as a determinant of viral pathogenesis. 1999. J. Virol. 73(7): 5970-80.
  38. Kapadia, S., Molina, H., van Berkel, V., Speck, S.H., and H. W. Virgin.  Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 encodes a functional regulator of  complement activation. 1999. J. Virol. 73(9): 7658-7670.
  39. Clambey, E. C., H. W. Virgin, and S. H. Speck.  Disruption of the murine gammaherpesvirus 68 M1 open reading frame leads to enhanced reactivation from latency. 2000. J. Virol. 74(4): 1973-1984.
  40. Liu, C.,  H. W. Virgin, and S. H. Speck.  Characterization of gammaherpesvirus 68 gene 50 transcription. 2000. J. Virol. 74(4): 2029-2037. 
  41. Leib, D. A., Machalek, M. A., Williams, B. R., Silverman, R. H. and H. W. Virgin.  Phenotypic restoration of an attenuated virus by knockout of a host resistance gene. 2000. PNAS (USA). 97(11):6097-6101.
  42. Van Berkel, V., Barrett, J., Tiffany, L., Sechler, J. M. G., Fremont, D. H., Murphy, P.M., McFadden, G., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin.  Identification of a gammaherpesvirus selective chemokine binding protein the inhibits chemokine action. 2000. J. Virol.74(15):6741-6747.
  43. Van Dyk, L., Virgin, H. W., and S. H. Speck. The murine gammaherpesvirus 68 v-cyclin is a critical regulator of reactivation from latency. 2000. J. Virol. 74(16):7451-61.
  44. Dal Canto, A. J., Virgin, H. W, and S. H. Speck. Ongoing viral replication is reqired for _HV68-induced vascular damage. 2000. J. Virol. 74(23):13304-10.
  45. Dal Canto, A. J., Swanson, P. E., O'Guin, A. K., Speck, S. H., ad H. W. Virgin. Interferon-gamma action in the media of the great elastic arteries, a novel immunoprivileged site. 2001. J. Clin. Invest. 107:R15-R22.
  46. Presti, M. P., Popkin, D. L. Connick, M., Paetzold, S., and H. W. Virgin. Novel cell type specific antiviral mechanism of IFN-gamma action in macrophages. 2001. J. Exp. Med. 193(4):483-496.
  47. Gil, M. P., bohn, E., O'Guin, A. K., Ramana, C. V., Levine, B., Stark, G. R., Virgin, H. W., and R. D. Schreiber. Biologic consequences of Stat1-independent IFN signaling. 2001. PNAS. 5;98(12):6680-85.
  48. Talloczy, Z., Jiang, W., Virgin, H. W., Leib, D. A., Scheuner, D., Kaufman, R. J., Eskelinen, E.-L., and B. Levine. Regulation of starvation- and virus-induced autophagy by the elf-2alpha kinase signaling pathway. 2002. PNAS. 8;99(1):190-195.
  49. Jacoby, M. A., Virgin, H. W., and S. H. Speck. Disruption of the M2 gene of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 alters splenic latency following intranasal but not intraperitoneal inoculation. 2002. J. Virol. 76(4):1790-1801.
  50. Huang, Q., Petros, A. M., Virgin, H. W., Fesik, S. W., and E. T. Olejniczak. Solution structure of a Bcl-2 homolog from Kaposi sarcoma virus. 2002. PNAS. Mar 19;99(6):3428-33.
  51. Yu, Y. Y. L., Harris, M. R., Lybarger, L., Kimpler, L. A., Virgin, H. W., and T. H. Hansen. Physical association of the K3 protein of gamma-2 HV68 with MHC class I molecules with impaired peptide and beta(2)-microglobulin assembly. 2002. J. Virol. Mar;76(6):2796-803.
  52. Gangappa, S., van Dyk, L. F., Jewett, T., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. Identification of the in vivo role of a viral bcl-2. 2002. J. Exp. Med. Apr 1;195(7):931-40.
  53. Van Berkel, V., Levine, B., Goldman, J. E., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. Critical role for a high affinity chemokine binding protein in lethal meningitis caused by a gamma-herpesvirus. 2002. J. Clin. Invest. Apr;109(7):905-14.
  54. Clambey, E. T., Virgin, H. W., and S. H. Speck. Characterization of a spontaneous 9.5 kilobase deletion mutant of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 reveals tissue-specific genetic requirements for latency. 2002. J. Virol. Jul;76(13):6532-44.
  55. Tibbetts, S. A.., van Dyk, L. F., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. Immune control of the number and reactivation phenotype of cells latently infected with a gammaherpesvirus. 2002. J. Virol. Jul;76(14):7125-32.
  56. Alexander, J. M., Nelson, C. A., van Berkel, V., Studts, J. M., Brett, T. J., Speck, S. H., Handel, T. M., Virgin, H. W., and D. H. Fremont. Structural basis of chemokine sequestration by a herpesvirus decoy receptor. 2002. Cell. Nov;111(3):343-56.
  57. Kapadia, S. K., Levine, B., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. Critical role of complement and viral evasion of complement in acute, persistent, and latent gamma-herpesvirus infection. 2002. Immunity. Aug;17(2):143-55.
  58. Gangappa, S., Kapadia, S. B., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. Antibody to a lytic cycle viral protein decreases gammaherpesvirus latency in B cell deficient mice. 2002. J. Virol. Nov;76(22):11460-68.
  59. Lybarger, L., Wang, X., Harris, M. R., Virgin, H. W., and T. H. Hansen. Virus subversion of the MHC class I peptide-loading complex. 2003. Immunity. Jan;18(1):121-30.
  60. Tibbetts, S. A., McClellan, J. S., Gangappa, S., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. Effective vaccation against long-term gammaherpesvirus latency. 2003. J. Virol. Feb 15;77(4):2522-29.
  61. Moorman, N. J., Virgin, H. W., and S. H. Speck. Disruption of gene encoding the gammaHV68 v-GPCR leads to decreased efficiency of reactivation from latency. 2003. Virology. Mar 15;307(2):179-90.
  62. Karst, S. M., Wobus, C. E., Lay, M., Davidson, J., and H. W. Virgin. STAT1-dependent innate immunity to a Norwalk-like virus. 2003. Science. Mar 7;299(5612):1575-78.
  63. van Dyk, L., Virgin, H. W., and S. H. Speck. Maintenance of gammaherpesvirus latency requires viral cyclin in the absence of B lymphocytes. 2003. J. Virol. May 1;77(9):5118-26.
  64. Pavlova, I. V., Virgin, H. W., and S. H. speck. Disruption of gammaHV68 gene 50 demonstrates that Rta is essential for virus replication. 2003. J. Virol. 2003. May;77(10):5731-39.
  65. Popkin, D. L., and H. W. Virgin. MCMV infection inhibits TNF-alpha responses in primary macrophages. 2003. J. Virol. Sep;77(18):10125-30.
  66. Tibbetts, S. A., Loh, J., van Berkel, V., McClellan, J. S., Jacoby, M. A., Kapadia, S. B., Speck, S. H., and H. W. Virgin. Establishment and maintenance of gammaherpesvirus latency are independent of infective dose and route of infection. J Virol. 2003 Jul;77(13):7696-701.
B. Invited/Other Publications
  1. Virgin, H. W., and E. R. Unanue. Immune complexes suppress cellular immunity. Proc. New York Acad. Sci. 1984;437:16-27.
  2. Virgin, H. W. 1985. Thesis: Immune complex effects on infection and macrophage function. Harvard University.
  3. Kurt-Jones, E. A., H. W. Virgin, J. M. Kiely, and E. R. Unanue. 1985. Expression and function of a membrane associated form of interleukin-1 on macrophages. In: The physiologic, metabolic, and immunologic actions of interleukin-1. Alan R. Liss Inc. New York, New York.
  4. Unanue, E. R., P. M. Allen, B. P. Babbit, G. J. Bancroft, J-M. Kiely, E. A. Kurt-Jones, H. W. Virgin, and C. Weaver. 1987. The regulatory role of macrophages in infection with intracellular pathogens. Progress in Immunology 1987; VI:752.
  5. Stanley,S.L. and H. W. Virgin. 1993. SCID mice as models for parasitic infections. Parisitology Today. 1993;9 (11): 406-411.
  6. Virgin, H. W., K. L. Tyler, and T. S. Dermody. Reovirus Pathogenesis. In: Viral Pathogenesis. Editor, Neal Nathanson, Raven Press. 1996. New York, New York.
  7. Virgin, H. W., T. S. Dermody, and K. L. Tyler. Cellular and humoral immunity to reovirus infection. In: Reoviruses. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology. Editors, Michael M.B.A. Oldstone and Kenneth L. Tyler. Springer-Verlag. 1998. Heidelberg, Germany.
  8. Dal Canto, A. J. and  H. W. Virgin. Animal models of infection mediated vasculitis. Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 1999; 11:17-23.
  9.  H. W. Virgin and S. H. Speck. Unraveling immunity to gamma-herpesviruses: a new model for understanding the role of immunity to chronic virus infection. Current Opinion in Immunology. 1999; 11(4): 371-379.
  10.  Speck, S. H. and H. W. Virgin. Host and viral genetics of chronic infection: a mouse model of gamma-herpesvirus pathogenesis. Current Opnion in Microbiology. 1999; 2:410-414.
  11. H. W. Virgin. Host and viral genes that control herpesvirus vasculitis. 2002. Cleve clin J Med. 69 Suppl 2:S117-21.

ASPECTS OF OUR RESEARCH OF POTENTIAL INTEREST TO INDUSTRY

  1. We are identifying viral genes involved in disease and virulence. Products of these genes may serve as targets for anti-viral drug development.
  2. We have used attenuated viruses to vaccinate against the establishment of latency, providing a basis for design of human CMV, EBV, or KSHV vaccines.
  3. We are identifying viral targets of cytokine action. Understanding the molecular basis of cytokine action may define targets for anti-viral drug development.
  4. We are analyzing the relationship between immune mediators and viral reactivation. Defining mediators which inhibit reactivation may provide targets for development of drugs which block reactivation from latency.
  5. We have shown that herpesviruses cause vasculitis and may therefore have develped models for human disease
  6. We have developed new models for viral oncogenesis
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Department of Molecular Microbiology, Box 8230
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO 63110-1093 USA
Tel 314-362-7250, FAX 314-362-1232