Sharof Tugizov, PhD

A goal of my laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanisms of the interactions of human viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus and herpes viruses with oropharyngeal and anogenital mucosal epithelia. Specifically, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of transepithelial transmission of these viruses through the mucosal epithelium. Understanding viral transmission via the mucosal epithelium is important for preventing the initial steps of viral infection.