Novel antiviral therapy, specifically the insertion of genes which endow lymphohematopoietic cells with life-long protection against lentivirus infections, offers a fresh approach to combating HIV infection. We are developing novel, safe and efficient vectors based on a foamy virus to deliver the antiviral genes into relevant cells.

Ayalew Mergia. Professor. Department: Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology Phone: (352) 294-4139 Email: [email protected]. Full Profile. Julie M Moore. Professor. Department: Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology Phone: (352) 294-4111 ...

Apr 4, 2012 · Dr. Ayalew Mergia, a biomedical researcher at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, has received a UF Research Foundation professorship.

May 1, 2012 · Ayalew Mergia, Ph.D., a biomedical researcher at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, has received a UF Research Foundation professorship. Sponsored by the university’s Division of Sponsored Research, the professorships are awarded to tenured faculty members campuswide for distinguished research and scholarship.

Ayalew Mergia, Ph.D. Professor of Infectious Disease and Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine 2012 Awardee. Ayalew Mergia’s research is focused on developing novel strategies to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and consequently limit AIDS pathogenesis.

Failed production of naïve T-lymphocytes further limits the success of antiviral therapy to restore immunologic function. In this review, we explore the use of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection of domestic cats as an animal model for pediatric HIV infection.

May 13, 2004 · Mergia, an associate professor in the college’s department of pathobiology, studies the molecular virology of simian foamy virus. Using mice as animal models, Mergia is researching ways the antiviral gene therapy could be used to prevent simian AIDS in primates and eventually to protect against HIV infection in humans.

Ayalew Mergia's 56 research works with 2,463 citations and 4,206 reads, including: The Potential Contribution of Caveolin 1 to HIV Latent Infection