Scientific Program
In CanCURE 3.0, we aim to build on the expertise we have developed in studying HIV reservoirs within deep tissues throughout the years. Our scientific program is structured around three complementary themes that sustain and guide our research efforts.
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Scientific Objectives
THEME 1: To localize transcriptionally active HIV reservoirs in tissues and identify pathways that can be modulated to prevent viral persistence and/or resurgence (Lead investigators Nicolas Chomont PhD and Petronela Ancuta, PhD; Investigators: Zabrina Brumme PhD, Christina Guzzo PhD, Christopher Power PhD
THEME 2: To define tissue-derived networks that facilitate HIV persistence (Lead investigators Cecilia Costiniuk MD, Thomas Murooka PhD; Investigators: Keith Fowke PhD, Jerome Estaquier PhD, Mohammad-Ali Jenabian PhD, Cecilia Costiniuk MD, Christopher Power PhD).
THEME 3: To develop innovative interventions to target tissue HIV reservoirs in vivo ((Lead investigators Jonathan Angel MD, Eric A. Cohen, PhD; Investigators: Guy Sauvageau MD & PhD, Elie Haddad MD & PhD, Jean-Pierre Routy MD)
TISSUE Sources: To achieve these objectives, the CanCURE team has access to a variety of tissues from people with HIV as well as animal models:
o Canadian End-of-Life Study (Cecilia Costiniuk MD).
o Lymph node cells, bone marrow aspirates and gut biopsies from Participants with HIV (PWH) on ART to study active HIV reservoirs and HIV-specific immunity (Jean-Pierre Routy MD).
o Whole lymph nodes and gut biopsies from participants at CIENI (Mexico) (Santiago Avila PhD, and Gonzalo Salgado PhD).
o Lung cells by bronchoalveolar lavage in PWH (Ronald Olivenstein MD).
o Tissues from non-human primates infected with SIV (Jerome Estaquier PhD).
o Humanized mice models to test new therapeutic interventions for HIV eradication in vivo (Elie Haddad MD & PhD and Eric A Cohen PhD)