The Potash Laboratory is continuing application of its mouse model of HIV infection and disease using chimeric HIV (EcoHIV) capable of infection of conventional mouse strains to study the natural history of HIV infection; sexual transmission of HIV, its target cells, and its prevention; HIV reservoirs in T cells and macrophages; mechanisms of HIV reactivation, definition of protective host anti-HIV responses, and anti-HIV interventions in mice.

A recent focus is investigation of innate immunity to control HIV infection and prevent brain disease in mice. Using a EcoHIV, we are investigating routes of innate immune control of HIV replication and pathogenesis. We are studying the optimal induction of innate immunity and identifying host factors essential for protection against cognitive disease.