Jessica L. Reynolds PhD
Jessica L. Reynolds
PhD
Associate Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Gene therapy; Genomics and proteomics; Immunology; Infectious Disease; Neurobiology; Neuropharmacology; Viral Pathogenesis; Virology
Professional Summary:
As a postdoctoral fellowship in the Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology at University at Buffalo I received a NIDA funded National Research Service Award (NRSA) F32 to study the mechanisms of cocaine-induced HIV-1 infection in astrocytes. This was a two year fellowship award ($99,224). I received several Young Investigator Travel Awards to attend and present my research at national conferences including the Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology, the College on Problems of Drug Dependence and the International Society for NeuroVirology. I was the first to demonstrate that cocaine enhances the replication of HIV in astrocytes, specialized glial cells in the central nervous system. During this time I was first author on 3 publications and contributed as a co-author on 6 publications in internationally recognized, peer reviewed journals including the Journal of Immunology, Brain Research and Biochimica et Biophysica Acta.
As a Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Immunology I was funded through a NIDA Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) award to investigate targeted nanoparticles for gene silencing in the context of HIV and drug abuse. This K01, was a five year award, $785000 that allowed for advanced training in nanotechnology and immunology. I applied this new expertise in nanotechnology to the development of innovative methods to control HIV-1 infections, particularly those associated with methamphetamine abuse. I was an invited panel speaker at the International Symposium on NeuroVirology and the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. During this time, I published approximately 30 peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals, including journals such as the Journal of Immunology, Brain Research, and the Journal of Pharmacology Experimental Therapeutics. Six as first author, 1 as senior author and 23 as a co-author.
Presently, I am a Associate Professor and Proposal Development Officer in the Department of Medicine at University at Buffalo where I continue to develop my research in drug delivery methods. I am currently investigating exosomes as potential delivery vehicles. Exosomes are one of several types of membrane vesicles known to be secreted by cells including microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, or exosome-like vesicles. Exosomes, unlike synthetic nanoparticles, are released from host cells and have the potential to be novel nanoparticle therapeutic carriers
I have recently been invited to be a panel speaker at the American Society of Nanomedicine and the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy conferences. I have been a principal investigator and co-instigator on NIH funded projects studying multimodal nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and immunotherapy in Tuberculosis and HIV and a co-investigator on a NYS Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program (ECRIP) to develop a Center for Nanomedicine at UB and Kaleida Health. I have had over eight years of NIH supported funding.
Education and Training:
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (2008)
- PhD, Pathology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (2004)
- BA, College of Liberal Arts and Science, Alfred University (1998)
Employment:
- Research Associate Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2014-present)
- Research Assistant Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State Univeristy of New York, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2012–2014)
- Research Assistant Professor, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (2008–2012)
- Teaching Assistant, Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (1998–2003)
Awards and Honors:
- Early Career Investigator Award, Society for Personalized Nanomedicine (2015)
- Invited panel speaker, American Society for Nanomedicine (2014)
- American Society for Nanomedicine Travel and Top Abstract Award (2014)
- Invited panel speaker and Travel Award, American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Annual Meeting (2014)
- Invited panel speaker and chair, Model Agreements & Guidelines International (MAGI), Clinical Research Conference (2014)
- NIDA Workshop: Informatics for Data and Resource Discovery in Addiction Research Travel Award (2010)
- NIDA Mini-Convention: Frontiers in Addiction Research Travel Award (2007)
- Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology Young Investigator Travel Award (2005)
- College on Problems of Drug Dependence Early Career Investigator Travel Award (2005)
- University at Buffalo Research Assistantship (2003)
- Letter of Excellence in Pathology (2000)
Research Expertise:
- Drug abuse, HIV and Blood brain Barrier: uman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 patients who abuse opiates are at a greater risk of developing neurological complications of AIDS. Alterations in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity are associated with cytoskeletal disorganization and disruption of tight junction (TJ) integrity. We found that opiates in combination with HIV-1 viral proteins can modulate TJ expression in primary brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC), thereby compromising BBB integrity and exacerbating HIV-1 neuropathogenesis. Morphine and/or tat, via the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, intracellular Ca(2+) release, and activation of myosin light chain kinase, modulated TJ expression resulting in decreased transendothelial electric resistance and enhanced transendothelial migration across the BBB. These studies may lead to the development of novel anti-HIV-1 therapeutics that target specific TJ proteins, thus preventing TJ disruption in opiate using HIV-1 patients.
- Drug addiction and HIV and immune cells: In the US, the increase drug use us has been associated with increased HIV-1 infection. The role of drugs on HIV-1 infectivity and the expression of the proteome of immature and mature dendritic cells (IDC), astrocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells had not yet been elucidated. We utilized LTR amplification, p24 antigen assay and the proteomic method of difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) combined with protein identification through high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to analyze the effects of drug abuse on HIV-1 infectivity and the proteomic profile of dendritic cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and astrocytes. Our results demonstrate that drug abuse potentiates HIV-1 replication. Furthermore, drug abuse significantly differentially regulates the expression of several proteins which may be used to develop novel markers for diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic targeting in drug -using subjects.
- Exosomes and HIV: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication regulating a diverse range of biological processes. The pathophysiological roles for EVs in diseases such as HIV and addiction are just beginning to be recognized. Understanding the cellular ‘reservoirs’ of HIV and how they communicate with other cells through EVs will allow us to development new strategies to minimize or deplete these reservoirs.
- Nanomedicine and cancer: Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in men, which accounts for approximately 32,000 deaths each year. Even after surgical removal of local tumor, more aggressive disease might necessitate chemo- and radi-therapy for metastatic tumors in addition to anti-androgen therapy. Optimal therapy of metatstatic prostate cancer remains an elusive goal. We developed well-defined tertiary amine-functionalized cationic polylactides (CPLAs) for the delivery of interleukin-8 (IL-8) siRNA via CPLA-IL-8 siRNA nanoplexes, known to play a role in metastasis. The CPLAs possess remarkable hydrolytic degradability, and their cytotoxicity is relatively low. We found that the CPLA-IL-8 siRNA nanoplexes was be readily taken up by prostate cancer cells, resulting in significant IL-8 gene silencing. Development of nanomedicine for targeted gene-delivery has broad implication of cancer therapies.
- Nanomedicine for Infectious Diseases: nfectious diseases are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, with developing countries bearing the brunt of these diseases. At this time I am developing a new therapy in which the effects of these drugs are combined with augmenting the actions of the innate immune system, to act synergistically to eradicate pathogens which could potentially reduce the drug dosage required, shorten the treatment duration, mitigate dose‐dependent toxicity, and reduce the emergence of drug resistance. This delivery vehicle is a nanoparticle with a macrophage‐specific, immune‐stimulatory ligand on the surface. This nanoparticle will deliver TB and/or HIV drugs specifically to macrophage while concomitantly inducing the production of cytokines and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species within the macrophage, with the goal of intracellular pathogen clearance. We found that we could target and activate macrophage using beta glucan on the surface of a nanoparticle. Furthermore we found that would could increase intracellular uptake within macrophage of TB and HIV drugs. This approach will broaden our scientific knowledge of HIV and/or TB disease therapies and, by combining targeted drug delivery with immune augmentation, create new approaches that will facilitate reducing individual drug doses, reduce systemic drug toxicity and reduce the development of drug resistance.
- The role of the cytokine TNF in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs:: The etiology of depression as well as the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs has been investigated for over 40 years, yet precise mechanisms that direct the expression of mood are still unknown. The classic Monoamine Theory of Depression proposed that symptoms of depression are due to an imbalance in the bioavailability of the monoamines, NE and serotonin, within the central nervous system. Therefore, antidepressant drug-induced regulation of NE availability, as well as adrenergic receptors that regulate the release of NE, have been extensively investigated. The time difference between inhibition of reuptake and therapeutic efficacy, however, argues against this being the primary mechanism. We found that α2-adrenergic receptors control NE release and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) production from neurons. TNF regulates NE release, depending on α2-adrenergic receptor functioning. The relationship between TNF production in the brain and α2-adrenergic receptor activation has profound control over NE release. These study have broad implications for the regulations of cytokines in treating depression and as therapeutic targets for anti-depressant medications.
Research Centers:
- Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC)
- Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences
UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:
- Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- January 2014–January 2016
UR Center for AIDS Research – Pharmacokinetics and Immunodynamics of Multi-model Nanoparticles for TB
NIAID
Role: Contributor - July 2014–July 2015
Pharmacokinetics and immunodynamics of multimodal nanoparticles for HIV and TB
NIAID
Role: Principal Investigator - April 2006–April 2008
F32 DA021535 Mechanisms of Cocaine-Induced HIV-1 infection in NHA
NIDA
Role: Principal Investigator
Journal Articles:
- Reynolds JL, Mahato RI. Nanomedicines for the Treatment of CNS Diseases. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2017; 12(1).
- Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Chen CK, Mahajan SD, Reynolds JL, Zhang H, Sun H, Sykes DE, Chadha KC, Turowski SG, Bothwell KD, Seshadri M, Cheng C, Schwartz SA. Nanotherapy silencing the interleukin-8 gene produces regression of prostate cancer by inhibition of angiogenesis. Immunology. 2016; 148(4).
- Kutscher HL, Prasad PN, Morse GD, Reynolds JL. Emerging Nanomedicine Approaches to Targeting HIV-1 and Antiretroviral Therapy. Future Virol. 2016; 11(2).
- Kutscher H, Makita F, DiTursi S, Singh A, Maponga CC, Morese GD, Reynolds JL. Macrophage targeted nanoparticles for antiretroviral (ARV) delivery. Journal of Personilized Nanomedicine. 2016; 2.
- Parikh N, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair BB, Sykes DE, Mammen MJ, Schwartz SA, Mahajan SD. Galectin-1 suppresses methamphetamine induced neuroinflammation in human brain microvascular endothelial cells: Neuroprotective role in maintaining blood brain barrier integrity. Brain Res. 2015.
- Ignatowski TA, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair BB, Sykes DE, Gleason CP, Law WC, Mammen MJ, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA, Mahajan SD. Nanotherapeutic Approach for Opiate Addiction Using DARPP-32 Gene Silencing in an Animal Model of Opiate Addiction. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2015; 10(1).
- Dube A, Reynolds JL, Law WC, Maponga CC, Prasad PN, Morse GD. Multimodal nanoparticles that provide immunomodulation and intracellular drug delivery for infectious diseases. Nanomedicine. 2014; 10(4).
- Chen CK, Law WC, Aalinkeel R, Yu Y, Nair B, Wu J, Mahajan S, Reynolds JL, Li Y, Lai CK, Tzanakakis ES, Schwartz SA, Prasad PN, Cheng C. Biodegradable cationic polymeric nanocapsules for overcoming multidrug resistance and enabling drug-gene co-delivery to cancer cells. Nanoscale. 2014; 6(3).
- Liu L, Hu R, Roy I, Lin G, Ye L, Reynolds JL, Liu J, Liu J, Schwartz SA, Zhang X, Yong KT. Synthesis of luminescent near-infrared AgInS2 nanocrystals as optical probes for in vivo applications. Theranostics. 2013; 3(2).
- Chen CK, Law WC, Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Kopwitthaya A, Mahajan SD, Reynolds JL, Zou J, Schwartz SA, Prasad PN, Cheng C. Well-defined degradable cationic polylactide as nanocarrier for the delivery of siRNA to silence angiogenesis in prostate cancer. Adv Healthc Mater. 2012; 1(6).
- Brown P, Nair B, Mahajan SD, Sykes DE, Rich G, Reynolds JL, Aalinkeel R, Wheeler J, Schwartz SA. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key cytokines may modulate food allergy phenotypes. Eur Food Res Technol. 2012; 235(5).
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Law WC, Reynolds JL, Nair BB, Sykes DE, Yong KT, Roy I, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Anti-HIV-1 nanotherapeutics: promises and challenges for the future. Int J Nanomedicine. 2012; 7.
- Hu R, Law WC, Lin G, Ye L, Liu J, Liu J, Reynolds JL, Yong KT. PEGylated Phospholipid Micelle-Encapsulated Near-Infrared PbS Quantum Dots for in vitro and in vivo Bioimaging. Theranostics. 2012; 2(7).
- Yong KT, Wang Y, Roy I, Rui H, Swihart MT, Law WC, Kwak SK, Ye L, Liu J, Mahajan SD, Reynolds JL. Preparation of quantum dot/drug nanoparticle formulations for traceable targeted delivery and therapy. Theranostics. 2012; 2(7).
- Law WC, Mahajan SD, Kopwitthaya A, Reynolds JL, Liu M, Liu X, Chen G, Erogbogbo F, Vathy L, Aalinkeel R, Schwartz SA, Yong KT, Prasad PN. Gene Silencing of Human Neuronal Cells for Drug Addiction Therapy using Anisotropic Nanocrystals. Theranostics. 2012; 2(7).
- Reynolds JL, Law WC, Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Sykes DE, Yong KT, Hui R, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Nanoparticle Based Galectin-1 Gene Silencing, Implications in Methamphetamine Regulation of HIV-1 Infection in Monocyte Derived Macrophages. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2012.
- Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Reynolds JL, Sykes DE, Law WC, Mahajan SD, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Quantum rods as nanocarriers of gene therapy. Drug Deliv. 2012; 19(4).
- Reynolds JL, Law WC, Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Sykes DE, Mammen MJ, Yonge KT, Hui R, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Morphine and galectin-1 modulate HIV-1 infection of human monocyte-derived macrophages. Journal of Immunology. 2012; 188(8).
- Nair B, Wheeler JC, Sykes DE, Brown P, Reynolds JL, Aalinkeel R, Mahajan SD, Schwartz SA. Proteomic Approach to Evaluate Mechanisms That Contribute to Food Allergenicity: Comparative 2D-DIGE Analysis of Radioallergosorbent Test Positive and Negative Patients. Int J Proteomics. 2011; 2011.
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair B, Sykes DE, Bonoiu A, Roy I, Yong KT, Law WC, Bergey EJ, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Suppression of MMP-9 expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) using a gold nanorod (GNR)-siRNA nanoplex. Immunol Invest. 2011; 41(4).
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair B, Sykes DE, Law WC, Ding H, Bergey EJ, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Nanotherapeutics Using an HIV-1 Poly A and Transactivator of the HIV-1 LTR-(TAR-) Specific siRNA. Patholog Res Int. 2011; 2011.
- Reynolds JL, Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Sykes DE, Schwartz SA. Methamphetamine and HIV-1 gp120 effects on lipopolysaccharide stimulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 production by human monocyte-derived macrophages. Immunol Invest. 2011; 40(5).
- Aalinkeel R, Nair BB, Reynolds JL, Sykes DE, Mahajan SD, Chadha KC, Schwartz SA. Overexpression of MMP-9 contributes to invasiveness of prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. Immunol Invest. 2011; 40(5).
- Mahajan SD, Agosto-Mojica A, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair BB, Sykes DE, Martinez J, Adams J, Singh N, Bernstein Z, Hsiao CB, Schwartz SA, Hsiao C. Role of chemokine and cytokine polymorphisms in the progression of HIV-1 disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010; 396(2).
- Reynolds JL, Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Sykes DE, Agosto-Mujica A, Hsiao CB, Schwartz SA, Hsiao C. Modulation of the proteome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-1-infected patients by drugs of abuse. J Clin Immunol. 2009; 29(5).
- Bonoiu A, Mahajan SD, Ye L, Kumar R, Ding H, Yong KT, Roy I, Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Reynolds JL, Sykes DE, Imperiale MA, Bergey EJ, Schwartz SA, Prasad PN. MMP-9 gene silencing by a quantum dot-siRNA nanoplex delivery to maintain the integrity of the blood brain barrier. Brain Res. 2009; 1282.
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair BB, Sykes DE, Hu Z, Bonoiu A, Ding H, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Therapeutic targeting of "DARPP-32": a key signaling molecule in the dopiminergic pathway for the treatment of opiate addiction. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2009; 88.
- Reynolds JL, Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Nair B, Sykes DE, Schwartz SA. Proteomic analyses of the effects of drugs of abuse on monocyte-derived mature dendritic cells. Immunol Invest. 2009; 38(6).
- Aalinkeel R, Bindukumar B, Reynolds JL, Sykes DE, Mahajan SD, Chadha KC, Schwartz SA. The dietary bioflavonoid, quercetin, selectively induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by down-regulating the expression of heat shock protein 90. Prostate. 2008; 68(16).
- Bindukumar B, Mahajan SD, Reynolds JL, Hu Z, Sykes DE, Aalinkeel R, Schwartz SA. Genomic and proteomic analysis of the effects of cannabinoids on normal human astrocytes. Brain Res. 2008; 1191.
- Reynolds JL, Mahajan SD, Sykes DE, Schwartz SA, Nair MP. Proteomic analyses of methamphetamine (METH)-induced differential protein expression by immature dendritic cells (IDC). Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007; 1774(4).
- Reynolds JL, Mahajan SD, Bindukumar B, Sykes D, Schwartz SA, Nair MP. Proteomic analysis of the effects of cocaine on the enhancement of HIV-1 replication in normal human astrocytes (NHA). Brain Res. 2006; 1123(1).
- Nair MP, Mahajan S, Sykes D, Bapardekar MV, Reynolds JL. Methamphetamine modulates DC-SIGN expression by mature dendritic cells. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2006; 1(3).
- Nair MP, Mahajan S, Reynolds JL, Aalinkeel R, Nair H, Schwartz SA, Kandaswami C. The flavonoid quercetin inhibits proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha) gene expression in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells via modulation of the NF-kappa beta system. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2006; 13(3).
- Mahajan SD, Hu Z, Reynolds JL, Aalinkeel R, Schwartz SA, Nair MP. Methamphetamine modulates gene expression patterns in monocyte derived mature dendritic cells: implications for HIV-1 pathogenesis. Mol Diagn Ther. 2006; 10(4).
- Reynolds JL, Mahajan SD, Sykes D, Nair MP. Heroin-Induces Differential Protein Expression by Normal Human Astrocytes (NHA). Am J Infect Dis. 2006; 2(2).
- Nair MP, Reynolds JL, Mahajan SD, Schwartz SA, Aalinkeel R, Bindukumar B, Sykes D. RNAi-directed inhibition of DC-SIGN by dendritic cells: prospects for HIV-1 therapy. AAPS J. 2005; 7(3).
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair BB, Fernandez SF, Schwartz SA, Nair MP. Morphine exacerbates HIV-1 viral protein gp120 induced modulation of chemokine gene expression in U373 astrocytoma cells. Curr HIV Res. 2005; 3(3).
- Ignatowski TA, Sud R, Reynolds JL, Knight PR, Spengler RN. The dissipation of neuropathic pain paradoxically involves the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). Neuropharmacology. 2005; 48(3).
- Reynolds JL, Ignatowski TA, Spengler RN. Effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on the reciprocal G-protein-induced regulation of norepinephrine release by the alpha2-adrenergic receptor. J Neurosci Res. 2005; 79(6).
- Reynolds JL, Ignatowski TA, Sud R, Spengler RN. An antidepressant mechanism of desipramine is to decrease tumor necrosis factor-alpha production culminating in increases in noradrenergic neurotransmission. Neuroscience. 2005; 133(2).
- Reynolds JL, Ignatowski TA, Gallant S, Spengler RN. Amitriptyline administration transforms tumor necrosis factor-alpha regulation of norepinephrine release in the brain. Brain Res. 2004; 1023(1).
- Reynolds JL, Ignatowski TA, Sud R, Spengler RN. Brain-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its involvement in noradrenergic neuron functioning involved in the mechanism of action of an antidepressant. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2004; 310(3).
- Nickola TJ, Ignatowski TA, Reynolds JL, Spengler RN. Antidepressant drug-induced alterations in neuron-localized tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor sensitivity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2001; 297(2).
Books and Book Chapters:
- Mahajan SD, You Y, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair, Bindukumar B, Mammen MJ, Ignatowski TA, Cheng, Chong, Schwartz SA. Biodegradable Nanoparticle-Based Antiretroviral Therapy across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Handbook of Clinical Nanomedicine Nanoparticles, Imaging, Therapy, and Clinical Applications. 2016.
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Reynolds JL, Nair BB, Mammen MJ, Dai L, Prasad PN, Schwartz SA. Nanotechnology in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prophylaxis of Infectious Diseases. Nanotherapeutic Approach to Targeting HIV-1 in the CNS: Role of Tight Junction Permeability and Blood. 2015.
Professional Memberships:
- American Society for Nanomedicine; Member (2014–2016)
- British Society for Nanomedicine; Member (2014–present)
- American Medical Writers Association; Member (2013–2014)
- Model Agreements & Guidelines International (MAGI), Clinical Research; Member (2013–2014)
- International Society for Neurovirology; Member (2009–2012)
- Society for Neuroscience; Member (2001–2005)
Presentations:
- "Beta-glucan Coated Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Enhances Intracellular Nevirapine Concentration in Macrophage" Departmemt of Medicine Research Day, University at Buffalo (2016)
- "Rifampin Loaded Biodegradable Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy" 19th Annual National CFAR Meeting, 19th Annual National CFAR Meeting (2015)
- "Dual Loaded Controlled Release Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Anti-HIV Therapy." University at Buffalo 7th Annual Postdoc Research Symposium, University at Buffalo 7th Annual Postdoc Research Symposium (2015)
- "Dual Loaded Controlled Release Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Anti-HIV Therapy" University at Buffalo Department of Anesthesiology’s Dr. R. Terry Research Day, University at Buffalo Department of Anesthesiology’s Dr. R. Terry Research Day (2015)
- "Dual Loaded Controlled Release Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Anti-HIV Therapy" Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (2015)
- "Multi-modal Nanoparticles for HIV-Therapy" Society for Personalized Nanomedicine Annual Meeting, Society for Personalized Nanomedicine (2015)
- "Introductory NIH Grants and Budgets." Model Agreements & Guidelines International (MAGI), Clinical Research Conference, Model Agreements & Guidelines International (MAGI), NIH grants (2014)
- "Pharmacokinetic and immunodynamics of multi-modal nanoparticles for HIV and/or TB" American Society for Nanomedicine Annual Meeting, American Society for Nanomedicine, Nanomedicine (2014)
- "Gene Targeted Nanotherapy for Drug Addiction" American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Annual Meeting, American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Annual Meeting (2014)
- "Nanotherapeutic Approach for Targeting the HIV Reservoir in the Brain" Fourth Annual Conference of American Society for Nanomedicine, Fourth Annual Conference of American Society for Nanomedicine (2014)
- "Nanotherapies: Current and Future Challenges" Annual Conference of American Society for Nanomedicine,, Annual Conference of American Society for Nanomedicine, (2014)
- "Pharmacokinetic and immunodynamics of multi-modal nanoparticles for HIV and/or TB" Fourth Annual Conference of American Society for Nanomedicine, Annual Conference of American Society for Nanomedicine (2014)
- "Innovative nanotherapy for the treatment of the chronic skin condition “Rosacea”" IMMUNOLOGY 2013™ AAI Annual Meeting, IMMUNOLOGY 2013™ AAI Annual Meeting (2013)
- "Multimodal glucan functionalized chitosan-PLGA nanospheres for intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis eradication: combination of cellular drug delivery and immunomodulation" International AIDS Society, International AIDS Society (2013)
- "Multimodal Nanoparticles For Targeted Drug Delivery And Immunotherapy In Tuberculosis" European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Forum, European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Forum (2013)
- "Nanoparticles for Gene Silencing; Potential Therapeutic Applications" 5th Congress of the Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia Oceania, 5th Congress of the Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia Oceania (2012)
- "Development of a biodegradable nanoparticle for co-delivery of mu opioid receptor siRNA and Saquinavir: therapeutic potential for HIV-1 positive drug users" 11th International Symposium on NeuroVirology,, 11th International Symposium on NeuroVirology, (2012)
- "Targeted Nanoparticles for Gene Silencing" American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, Nanomedicine (2010)
- "Targeted Nanoparticles for Gene Silencing, implications for HIV reservoir treatment" 10th International Symposium on NeuroVirology, ISNV, Nanotherapeutics (2010)
- "Dopaminergic signaling: a common neuropathogenic mechanism in the etiology of opiate addiction and Neuro-AIDS. Poster presentation" XVIII International AIDS Society Conference, XVIII International AIDS Society Conference (2010)
- "Host chemokine gene polymorphisms: Role in HIV-1 disease progression" 14th International Congress of Immunology,, 14th International Congress of Immunology, (2010)
- "Modulation of Tight junction expression by an MMP-9 nanoplex: Implications for maintaining Blood Brain Barrier integrity in HIV-1 encephalitis" International Symposium on HIV and Emerging Infectious Diseases, International Symposium on HIV and Emerging Infectious Diseases (2010)
- "Targeted Nanoparticles for Gene Silencing" merican College of Neuropsychopharmacology, merican College of Neuropsychopharmacology (2010)
- "Targeted Nanoparticles for Gene Silencing, implications for HIV reservoir treatment" 10th International Symposium on NeuroVirology, 10th International Symposium on NeuroVirology (2010)
- "DARPP-32 signaling: A common neuropathogenic pathway in HIV-1 infected drug abusers" International Society for NeuroVirology, International Society for NeuroVirology (2009)
- "Drugs of Abuse and HIV-1 replication in Normal Human Astrocytes (NHA)" 9th International Symposium on NeuroVirology, 9th International Symposium on NeuroVirology (2009)
- "Enhancing the Transversing Efficiency and Efficacy of the Anti-Retroviral Drug “Saquinavir” Using Nanotechnology: Implications for Nanotherapeutics in Neuro-AIDS" 4th International Workshop on HIV-1 Persistence, 4th International Workshop on HIV-1 Persistence (2009)
- "Role of genetic polymorphisms in the SDF-1 (Stromal cell-derived factor-1) allele in Long Term Non-Progressors (LTNP) of HIV-1 disease" th International AIDS Society; Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, th International AIDS Society; Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (2009)
- "Role of the Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF)-1 allelic variant SDF-1 3’An in HIV-1 disease progression" 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (2009)
- "Evaluation of the anti HIV-1 efficacy of a quantum rod/ modified silica nanoparticles (ORMOSIL) conjugated antiretroviral nanoplexes as targeted probes for transmigration across an in vitro blood brain barrier" Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies, Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (2008)
- "Identification of potential biomarkers in the development of HIV-1 associated dyslipidemic lipodystrophy using an integrated bioinformatics approach" 3rd Al-Ain International Immunology Meeting, 3rd Al-Ain International Immunology Meeting (2008)
- "Modulation of Galectin-1 by drugs of abuse. Poster presentation" 8th International Symposium on NeuroVirology, 8th International Symposium on NeuroVirology (2007)
- "Bioflavonoids reduce HIV-1 infectivity in an in-vitro maternal–fetal placental barrier model." 2nd International workshop on HIV-1 transmission- Principles of Intervention, 2nd International workshop on HIV-1 transmission- Principles of Intervention (2007)
- "Development of a new treatment modality using Nanoparticle conjugated DARPP-32 siRNA in an animal model of opiate addiction: Implications for therapy in opiate abusing HIV-1 infected subjects" 2nd European Federation of Neuropsychiatry Congress, 2nd European Federation of Neuropsychiatry Congress (2007)
- "Evaluation of HAART efficacy in the Central Nervous System (CNS) using a nanoprobe. Poster presentation" 13th International Congress of Immunology, 13th International Congress of Immunology (2007)
- "Opiate regulation of DARPP-32 in the pathogenesis of HIV encephalopathy" International AIDS Society, International AIDS Society (2007)
- "Opiates exacerbate HIV-1 neurotoxicity via DARPP-32 regulation of NMDA receptors." Opiates exacerbate HIV-1 neurotoxicity via DARPP-32 regulation of NMDA receptors., Opiates exacerbate HIV-1 neurotoxicity via DARPP-32 regulation of NMDA receptors. (2007)
- "Effect of Methamphetamine on Matrix Metalloproteinase gene expression in Brain microvascular endothelial cells: Relevance to NeuroAIDS" Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies, Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (2006)
- "Methamphetamine Differentially Modulates Rantes And Its Variant Allele (IN1.1C) Gene Expression In HIV-1" College on Problems of Drug Dependence, College on Problems of Drug Dependence (2006)
- "Methamphetamine Modulates HIV-1 Infectivity In Monocyte Derived Dendritic Cells" Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology (2006)
- "Methamphetamine-Induced Differential Protein Expression by Mature Dendritic Cells (MDC)" College on Problems of Drug Dependence, College on Problems of Drug Dependence (2006)
- "Methamphetamine-Induced Differential Protein Expression by Mature Dendritic Cells (MDC)" College on Problems of Drug Dependence, College on Problems of Drug Dependence (2006)
- "Proteomic analyses of heroin-induced differential protein expression by normal human astrocytes (NHA)" Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology (2006)
- "Cocaine differentially regulates the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinases) in normal human astrocytes" College on Problems of Drug Dependence, College on Problems of Drug Dependence (2005)
- "Cocaine phosphorylates extracellular signal related kinase (ERK) in U373MG cells" Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology (2005)
- "Differential Regulation of DC-SIGN and IDO by Cannabinoid and Cocaine in Normal Human Astrocytes: A Molecular Profile" College on Problems of Drug Dependence, College on Problems of Drug Dependence (2005)
- "Drugs of Abuse and Neuropathogensis of HIV Infection: Role of DC-SIGN and IDO" Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology (2005)
- "Brain-derived TNF affects α2-adrenergic regulation of TNF production from peripheral macrophage" Society for Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience (2004)
- "Antidepressant drugs decrease brain tumor necrosis factor thereby alleviating hyperalgesia during neuropathic pain" Society for Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience (2003)
- "Effect of amitriptyline on neuropathic pain and pain induced transformation of α2-adrenergic receptor regulation of TNF production from peripheral macrophage" Society for Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience (2003)
- "An increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in the brain directs neuropathic pain and a decrease in TNF production is involved in the analgesic properties of antidepressant drugs" American Association of Neuropathologists, American Association of Neuropathologists (2003)
- "Adrenergic augmentation of TNF production from neurons during the dissipation of pain resembles that which occurs following antidepressant drug administration" American Association of Neuropathologists (2002)
- "Interaction between TNF production and α2- adrenergic receptor sensitivity: A new twist on the monoamine theory of depression" Society for Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience (2002)
- "TNF regulation of adrenergic sensitivity" Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (2002)
- "Interactive relationship between TNF production and α2- adrenergic receptor sensitivity" Society for Neuroscience (2001)
- "Adrenergic regulation of neuron-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha" Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeeting, Society for Neuroscience (2000)
- "Analysis of the highly conserved region present in all PQQ-Dependent (Quinoprotein) Dehydrogenases." American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting, American Society for Microbiology (1998)
Service Activities:
- Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Council; Member (2012–2018)
- CTSA Seminar Chair; Chair (2016–2017)
- Search member committee for Office of Research Advancement; Member (2016)
- Guest Editor, Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology; Editor (2015–2016)
- Editor, Journal of Personalized Nanomedicine; Editor (2015–2016)
- Department of Medicine Research Committee; Member (2015–2016)
- Proposal Development Officer; Chair (2014–2016)
- NIH Grant Reviewer; Reviewer (2014–2016)
- Search member committee for Sponsored Programs Administrator; Member (2014)
- Development and Chair for CTRC research trainee’s seminar; Chair (2013–2015)
- Faculty Council Representative; Member (2012–2018)
- Manuscipt Reviewer; Reviewer (2003–2016)