DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Cancer Cell Biology

Research Abstract

Dr. Desrosiers' research interests focus on development and use of monkey models of viral-induced disease, including AIDS and cancer. Rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV), the closest known relative of the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV; HHV-8), was originally discovered in Dr. Desrosiers' laboratory. Current work is focused on development of a genetic system for RRV so that the contribution of individual genes to replication, persistence, cell tropism, and disease can be studied. RRV is also being used as a vector for experimental vaccination against SIV/AIDS. Simian immunodeficiency virus, (SIV), the closest relative, of HIV, was also discovered in Dr. Desrosiers' laboratory. Research with both RRV and SIV is focused on genetic and molecular determinants of viral pathogenesis and on vaccine development in these monkey models.

Publications

• Desrosiers RC, Sasseville VG, Czajak SC, Zhang X, Mansfield KG, Kaur A, Johnson RP, Lackner AA, Jung JU.A herpesvirus of rhesus monkeys related to the human Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.J Virol 1997 Dec;71(12):9764-9.
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