Virus-host interactions allow viruses like HIV-1 to exploit cells for their own replication and to evade immune responses. 

My research projects focus on these virus-host interactions with the aim to better understand the viral mechanisms involved in viral replication, immune evasion and the immunopathology of HIV-1. 

I am particularly interested on the roles that accessory viral proteins play in evasion of immune responses, particularly those mediated by Natural Killer (NK) cells, as well as the impact of envelope glycoproteins (Env) conformation on humoral responses and viral pathogenesis. 

Our objective is to develop new therapeutic approaches aimed at eliminating HIV-1-infected cells and reducing HIV-1-induced inflammation.  Among the different strategies that we are optimizing we use molecules that modulate Env conformation, the activities of accessory proteins and/or NK cell effector functions. 

Finally, I am also contributing to research projects aimed at characterizing humoral responses directed against the SRAS-CoV-2 Spike after infection and/or vaccination.

Research projects:

• Characterization of the underlying viral mechanisms governing evasion of immune responses, particularly those mediated by NK cells
• Study of the impact of Env conformation on humoral responses
• Study of the impact of soluble Env in HIV-1 immunopathology
• Identification and characterization of new molecules modulating Env conformation and blocking the immunoregulatory activities of soluble Env
• Development of new strategies to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells
• Characterization of humoral responses directed against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike