Impact of type I interferon exposure on interferon stimulating genes (ISGs) in the female genital tract

Globally the rate of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission is on the rise. This is quite disturbing and hence there is the urgent need to understand and develop better preventive strategies. A canonical antiviral molecule called “Type 1 interferon” is known to interfere with viral replication. In a large-scale cytokine analysis of South Africa tenofovir gel study, interferon alpha 2 (IFNa2), a type 1 interferon was strongly associated with HIV acquisition. This sounds counter intuitive. Findings in monkeys showed short term exposure of IFNa2 decreased simian immunodeficiency virus infection. Hence, in this study we will test the hypothesis that, short IFNa2 exposure will be protective while prolonged exposure will increase HIV acquisition risk.

Faculty Supervisor:

Lyle McKinnon

Student:

Partner:

Northwestern University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: