Virology

With his broad background in the field of virology and in-depth experience studying host-pathogen interactions, faculty member Spyridon Stavrou, PhD, is uniquely qualified to teach trainees about retroviral infections.

We study a wide variety of viruses, including papillomaviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We focus on basic molecular mechanisms. In the long term, we aim to understand viral infection and reactivation, prevent viral infection and develop anti-viral therapies.

Understanding Disease Processes; Seeking Therapies

We study molecular DNA and RNA synthesis, nucleic acid-protein interactions and gene regulation. We also work to characterize virulence determinants and discover therapeutic targets.

A major focus is on DNA replication mechanisms, including protein-protein interactions, and DNA damage response pathways, especially in the small human DNA viruses — polyoma- and cancer-inducing papilloma (HPV) viruses.

We also study RNA structural switches involved in the replication of RNA viruses and subviral RNA pathogens. Our goal is to develop a replication system to screen for inhibitors to RNA replication and develop RNA vectors with novel functions.

Our researchers are exploring the pathogenesis of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the leading cause of birth defects in the United States. We are studying viral latency and how it transitions to a lytic infection. We are focusing on the role of viral G-protein-coupled receptors (vGPCRs) in these processes.

We also are studying structural proteins in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Our goals are to understand how the virus enters cellular membranes and to develop inhibitors of HIV entry. We also study co-infection of HIV with the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans in human macrophages.

Another focus is the epidemiology of tick-bourne hemorrhagic fever viruses, such as hantaviruses.

Research News

Research Community Gathers at Microbiology Conference
6/12/23
The microbiology research community in Western New York and beyond gathered for the 33^rd annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis, hosted by the Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology.
Trainees Earn American Heart Association Fellowships
4/22/22
Three trainees in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology have received fellowships from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Medical Students Share Original Research Study Results at Forum
2/17/17
At the 2017 Medical Student Research Forum, aspiring physician-scientists showcased 46 original research projects they conducted at the University at Buffalo, its partner health care agencies and institutions nationwide.
Trio of Second-Year Students Takes Top Honors at Research Forum
2/19/16
Aspiring physician-scientists showcased 38 original research projects at the 2016 Medical Student Research Forum. The displays showed work they conducted at the University at Buffalo, its partner health care agencies and institutions nationwide.
Forum Showcases 45 Diverse Medical Student Research Projects
2/6/15
At the 2015 Medical Student Research Forum, aspiring physician-scientists showcased 45 original research projects they conducted at the University at Buffalo, its partner health care agencies and institutions nationwide.
Student Scientists Showcase 2014 Buffalo Summer Research Projects
8/21/14
Nearly 100 student-scientists from across the country showcased their original biomedical research during the 2014 Buffalo Summer Research Day.