Tuofu Zhu, M.D.

Associate Professor University of Washington, Laboratory Medicine, Virology Department of Microbiology

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HIV/SIV Pathogenesis, Host genetics, Therapy, and Vaccine

Our laboratory's current area of focus is the pathogenesis of HIV infection, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of HIV-1 persistence at extraordinarily low levels in vivo .   We are devoting considerable effort toward identifying HIV-1 strains which are defective or attenuated, and human genes that protect against and/or control HIV-1 infection.   We also have intense interest in defining the role of CD14+ monocytes in HIV-1 transmission as well as during the very early course of HIV-1 infection.   In addition, we are involved in studies to define events of transmission, and modes of protection against SIV infection (using the SIV/macaque model).   The above studies should assist in developing new therapeutic strategies and HIV-1 vaccine or strategies to enhance vaccine efficacy. The current research projects are listed below.   Click on each project to view a report of the projects and some relevant publications.   Each list of publications is not necessarily a complete list.   However, the lists give the most recent publications that pertain to the research project.

• Suppressing HIV-1 Infection in Exposed Seronegative Adults
• Minimal Levels of HIV-1 Infection
• Human Genes and Related Polymorphysims that Affect HIV Infection and Disease Progression
• Roles of Monocytes/Macrophages in HIV-1 Infection
• Control of SIV Infection at Extremely Low Levels in vivo