The Levy laboratory is studying features of HIV that determine its ability to be transmitted and to induce disease. The approaches include basic biologic, immunologic and molecular techniques. We have determined that strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2, the two types of AIDS virus, can differ in the extent of virus replication, speed of virus production and the degree of cell-killing. We are also examining the host immunologic response to HIV, such as the evaluation of antibodies produced against the virus and cellular anti-HIV immune activities. The ability of CD8+ lymphocytes to suppress HIV replication through production of a novel antiviral factor, CAF, is particularly emphasized in our laboratory. CD8+ lymphocytes are grown in culture from HIV-infected healthy volunteers who have shown control of the virus. The factor produced by the cells is used for research studies aimed at defining this protein in hopes that CAF can be used as therapy for all HIV-infected people. Our laboratory is also dedicating its efforts to the ultimate development of an effective HIV vaccine.

For more information on HIV and AIDS, you can watch one of Dr. Levy's lectures at the UCSF School of Nursing here.