Peter J. Gaskill, Ph.D.
My research focuses on the dopamine mediated modulation of HIV infection in macrophages and of macrophage functions. I have recently shown that dopamine increases HIV replication in macrophages, at least in part through interaction with endogenous macrophage dopamine receptors. I believe that the effects of dopamine on macrophages and other mononuclear phagocytes in the CNS may be a novel common mechanism by which drugs of abuse can intensify the development of HIV-induced neuropathology. Increased understanding of this interaction will help develop therapeutic techniques that may prevent the accelerated development of neuropathology in HIV infected drug users.
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