The primary research interests of the Kelesidis Lab focus on basic and translational research platforms
uncovering the molecular host mechanisms driving immunopathogenesis of viral infections such as HIV
infection and SARS-CoV-2. Our laboratory is actively identifying and validating unique molecular signatures
that characterize the complex cross talk between infection with viruses such as HIV and SARS-COV-2,
oxidative stress, inflammation and end organ disease such as cardiovascular disease.
We use ex vivo/in vitro approaches with human cells from HIV-1 infected and uninfected persons and a
humanized mouse model to determine mechanisms of HIV-associated immune dysfunction, end organ disease
and novel therapeutics. We also use cell culture and mouse models of SARS-CoV-2 infection to determine
mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 replication and associated tissue damage with a goal to develop novel
therapeutics.
Other research areas in the lab include aberrant host responses associated with smoking, cardiometabolic
toxicity of antiretrovirals and pathogenesis of other infectious diseases and immune disorders.
