Overview

Our research program in Transplantation Virology and Infectious Diseases Research is aimed at advancing the management of infections that occur after organ and tissue transplantation. To achieve this goal, we have

• laboratory-based projects that are aimed at understanding the interaction between the human host and the invading microbe
• translational research projects that are aimed to apply our laboratory data into the clinical arena
• clinical projects that are aimed to assess the state of clinical practice and to generate relevant questions that need further laboratory-based investigations.

The laboratory-based aspect of the program is based in the Transplantation Biology Unit. Current projects in the laboratory include:

• assessing the biology of Toll-like receptors as it pertains to the pathogenesis of human cytomegalovirus and hepatitis C virus
• using viral replication as a measure of the intensity of immune suppression
• assessment of cytomegalovirus-specific T cells in immunologic reconstitution following transplantation.

The clinical aspect of the program is based in the Division of Infectious Diseases office in Marian Hall. Several ongoing projects include the assessment of the risk factors, treatment and outcomes of cytomegalovirus and other viral and fungal infections after transplantation. In addition to these, we have ongoing clinical trials aimed at assessing antiviral therapy for BK nephropathy and the use of investigational drugs for the prevention of cytomegalovirus disease after transplantation.