Larisa
Poluektova, MD, Ph.D.
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University of Nebraska Medical Center
Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders
985215 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-5215
Phone - 402.559.8920
Fax - 402.559.8922
lpoluekt@unmc.edu |
Ongoing Projects:
In 2000 I made a unique observation that human lymphocytes transplanted
intraperitoneally in SCID mice migrated in the murine brain, if HIV-1-infected
autologous macrophages were present there. The interaction between
human lymphocytes and HIV-1-infected autologous human macrophages
in brain environment leads to the development of HIV-1-specific cellular
immune responses. This observation prompted us to adapt this murine
model to investigate: 1) earlier consequences of HIV-1 associated
CNS disease; 2) mechanisms of local brain damage and repair; 3) utilize
humanized SCID mice as a test system for HIV-1 vaccine evaluation
and 4) screen potential vaccine candidates.
Analyzing brain pathology in HIV-1 encephalitic mice, we found dividing
cells in specific regions of ongoing neurogenesis. This observation
stimulated our interest to study the ability of chronically inflamed
and intoxicated HIV-1 brain tissue to self-repair by possible replacement
of neuronal loss.
Representative Publications: (total 41):
1. J. Limoges; L. Poluektova; W. Ratanasuwan; J. Rasmussen; M. Zelivyanskaya;
D.R. McClernon; E.R. Lanier; H.E. Gendelman; and Y. Persidsky. The
efficacy of potent anti-retroviral drug combinations tested in a
murine model of HIV-1 encephalitis. Virology. 2001 Mar 1; 281(1):21-34.
2.
L. Poluektova, T. Moran, M. Zelivyanskaya, S. Swindells, H. E.
Gendelman, Y. Persidsky. The regulation of alpha chemokines during
HIV-1 infection and leukocyte activation: relevance for HIV-1-associated
dementia. J.Neuroimmunology. 2001, 11 January (1-2): 112-128.
3. *Poluektova,
L., Munn, D., Persidsky, Y, Gendelman, H.E. Generation of cytotoxic
T cells against virus-infected human brain macrophages in a murine
model of HIV-1 encephalitis. J. Immunol. 2002, 168:3941-3949.
*
- corresponding author.
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