Factors involved in the HIV life cycle

Summary

To study the factors involved in the HIV life cycle

Supervisor(s)

Professor Tony Cunningham

Research Location

Westmead - Westmead Millennium Institute

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

• Imaging of HIV assembly and spread in cell types involved in HIV transmission (this includes dendritic cells, macrophages and CD4 T cells). This project involves tagging HIV virions with various genetic tags, in order to track their biogenesis and movement at the microscopic level.

• Development of fluorescent compounds for imaging of HIV in live cells and as a diagnostic platform. This project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and the school of chemistry at the University of Sydney. Although this specifically involves the use of HIV, the techniques and methods generated can be used in any microscopic study.

• Inhibition of viral expansion by anti-HIV microbicides. The field of microbocides is relative new and involves the development of topic gels that can prevent HIV transmission.

• Examining the role of cellular factors, such as Dyanmin and Viperin on the HIV life cycle.

Additional Information

• Additional projects: Projects are not solely restricted to those outlined above. Other projects can be designed but would be within the field of HIV and the expertise within the laboratory.Techniques: Fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, mammalian cell culture, molecular techniques involved in viral engineering and characterisation.
• Honours topics: Will be based within the topic above, however given the time constraints this will involve projects that are currently up and running with well-defined methods.
• Funding:This research is sponsored by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Successful PhD applicants will require a scholarship to cover their stipend. However depending of individual circumstances, a limited number of stipends are available relative to opportunity.

Keywords

HIV, AIDS, HIV Transmission, CD4 T cells, Viral synapses, fluorescent and electron microscopy and flow cytometry, Dendritic cells, macrophages

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 1015

Other opportunities with Professor Tony Cunningham

• The role of dendritic cells in co-infection with HIV and herpes simplex virus
• How do herpes simplex viruses interact with dendritic cells in human skin: clues for vaccine development