Varicella-zoster Virus

Jennifer Moffat, PhD is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse. Her research is focused on humanized mouse models to study the pathogenesis and treatment of varicella zoster virus. Allison Abendroth, PhD is Professor of Virology and Immunology at the University of Sydney in the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health. Professor Abendroth’s research group investigates the immunobiology and pathogenesis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and other human herpesviruses. Her research interests include exploring how these viruses interact with key human cell types important in disease and defining the diverse array of mechanisms that they deploy to evade innate and adaptive immune responses.Ann Arvin, MD is the Lucile Salter Packard Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Emerita, at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Arvin’s laboratory investigates the molecular virology of varicella zoster virus (VZV) pathogenesis and mechanisms of innate and adaptive control of VZV infections.Stefan L. Oliver, PhD is a Senior Research Scientist in the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine.  His research interests include host-pathogen interactions, evolution, and structural biology with a special focus on the membrane fusion mechanisms of viral pathogens.  His multidisciplinary approaches have revealed molecular functions that underpin the mechanics and regulation of herpesvirus glycoprotein-induced membrane fusion.

• Varicella-zoster Virus - Genetics, Molecular Evolution, and Recombination.- The structures and functions of VZV glycoproteins.- Modulation of apoptosis and cell death pathways by Varicella zoster virus.- Modulation of host cell signaling pathways by varicella-zoster virus.- Modulation of MHC and MHC-like molecules by Varicella Zoster Virus.- Varicella Zoster Virus Neuronal Persistence and Reactivation modeled in-vitro.- Humanized Severe Combined Immunodeficient (SCID) Mouse Models for Varicella-Zoster Virus Pathogenesis.- Simian Varicella Virus: Molecular Virology and mechanisms of pathogenesis.- A guide to preclinical models of zoster-associated pain and postherpetic neuralgia.- Immune Responses to Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccines.- Common features between stroke following varicella in children and stroke following herpes zoster in adults.