Shilpa J. Buch, Ph.D.

The pathogenesis of HIV-encephalopathy revolves around two processes characterized first, by productive replication of the virus in macrophages in the brain, a process that leads to encephalitis, and second, neuronal degeneration that results from byproducts of the infected macrophages, leading to dementia. Using microarray analyses we have identified several host factors that are critical in the progression of NeuroAIDS. Currently we are using the antisense DNA approach as therapeutic intervention for controlling virus replication in infected macaques. Sustained delivery of therapeutic agents aimed at viral abrogation in the SCID-Hu mouse model of HIV is the current focus of our studies.