Personal History1977: PhD in molecular virology, University of California, Berkeley 1979-85: Post-doctoral research at UCSF with Dr. Christine Guthrie 1985-90: Assistant Member at Scripps Clinics and Res. Foundation with Dr. Michael Oldstone 1990-2000: Faculty at Univ. of WI School of Medicine 2000-present: Professor at Inst of Human Virology, Univ of MD Research InterestsThe Salvato laboratory investigates virus-host interactions using animal models, â?~omic profiling, and basic molecular virology. Recent studies explored arenavirus pathogenesis using non-human primate models for Lassa fever. Lassa fever vaccine research, spear-headed by Dr. Lukashevich, has resulted in two live-attenuated candidates: one (ML29) is a reassortant between Lassa virus and Mopeia virus, and the other (YF/LAS) is a recombinant between the Yellow Fever vaccine (YF17D) and the Lassa glycoprotein. The ML29 candidate is broadly cross-reactive and protects primates from Lassa fever. The YF/LAS is effective in protecting guinea pigs and has not been tested in primates. Profiling of disease progression during viral hemorrhagic fever has revealed many host-responses that can be detected in blood before viremia is detectable, and that could be prognostic for a virulent as opposed to a benign infection. We are using transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to profile healthy, diseased and vaccinated primates. The profiles of vaccinated monkeys will provide surrogate markers for successful vaccination. Profiling host responses reveals many recurring themes from virus to virus. For example, interferon-induced pathways are amplified after most viral infections, and most viruses have mechanisms to avoid such anti-viral host responses. Many viruses upset apoptotic pathways, cell cycling and the structures of subcellular macromolecular complexes. Virus infections also alter the motility and physiological location of the infected host cells. In collaboration with Dr. Pauza'slaboratory we have recently explored the role of the Fas/FasL apoptotic pathway in AIDS progression by treating SIV-infected primates with monoclonal antibodies to FasL. Life-time, central memory, and virus-specific cell-mediated immunity are prolonged in the anti-FasL treated animals. The exploration of host responses that restrict virus replication will yield many targets for anti-viral therapy. Lab Techniques and EquipmentBiosafety level 2 and biosafety level 3 facilitites house flow cytometer, ultracentrifuges, spectrophotometers, tissue culture incubators and microscopes, PCR machines, gel boxes for protein and nucleic acid analyses, clean stations, biosafety cabinets, blotting and scanning equipment, easy access to animal models.
Grants & Contracts:
NIH-NIAID NIH-NCI Publications
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