Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Pastey’s laboratory is conducting research work on the pathogenesis of influenza, HIV, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and developing a new diagnostic method to detect Dengue virus, Bovine Herpes virus, and sexually transmitted infections in clinical samples.

HIV Research Study: Our laboratory is testing a poly herbal vaginal microbicide named “BASANT” that has been shown to inhibit a wide range of sexually transmitted pathogens including HIV. Preliminary studies have also shown safety and acceptability in Phase I (acceptability and toxicity study) human trials in India. Therefore, the next step is to verify the effectiveness of the BASANT in preventing HIV transmission in vivo. We are also working on a novel HIV protein that is required for replication in T cells. HIV sequestration in the CNS and the failure of antiretroviral drugs to penetrate through blood-brain barrier to eliminate latent CNS reservoir continues to be a major road block in AIDS therapy. Therefore, we are developing Nanotechnology based delivery systems to target the virus within different tissue compartments.

RSV Research Study: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of bronchopneumonia in infants and the elderly. There are no vaccines or effective treatment available. Knowledge of viral and host protein interactions is important for better understanding of the viral pathogenesis and may lead to development of novel therapeutic drugs. In our lab, we have shown that Respiratory Syncytial Virus Matrix (M) protein interacts with cellular adaptor protein complex (AP)-3 and its medium (µ) subunit. We are also looking into the role played by Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1), an anti-apoptotic member of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family, in Respiratory Syncytial virus pathogenesis.

New Diagnostic method: We are developing a new rapid diagnostic method to detect dengue virus, bovine herpes virus, and sexually transmitted infections at Point-of-Care within 30 mins at room temperature using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technology without the need for sophisticated equipment.