There are two types of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV-2, which can lead to AIDS. HIV-1, with global spread, is the more aggressive and infectious virus. The reason for the difference in pathogenesis between HIV-1 and HIV-2 is not yet clear. Our research is focused on understanding the interactions between the immune system and these viruses. We are analyzing cells and antibodies from HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 infected individuals. In parallel, we study the interaction by various in vitro infection models. We are also trying to find out how the immune system is affected by HIV-1-tuberculosis (TB) coinfection. Our collaborators include clinics in Guinea-Bissau, a West African country with high HIV-2 prevalence, clinics in Ethiopia, a country with many HIV-TB coinfected, national and international researchers. Taken together, in addition to basic knowledge on HIV pathogenesis, we anticipate that our studies may contribute to optimized treatment and provide clues to how an effective HIV vaccine should work.

Marianne Jansson is Resarch Group Leader for this research group