Morehouse School of Medicine's HIV from Bench to Bedside and Beyond (HBBB) Program
The Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is committed to be an agent of change helping fight against HIV/AIDS in Georgia, the nation, and across the globe. Our integrated efforts span across basic science, clinical, and community-engaged research, as well as outreach and training to increase the HIV clinical competency of providers.
Our aim is to investigate unanswered questions related to the biological underpinnings of HIV and the impact on patient outcomes along the HIV Care Continuum, increasing the number of patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, engaged in care, and on antiretroviral medications and virally suppressed.
- Basic Science and Clinical Research
Morehouse School of Medicine Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology
HIV/AIDS research is a major focus of research both within the department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology (MBI), and in collaboration with other departments within MSM and others at research institutions throughout the world.
The HIV-1 Nef Pathogenesis Group at Morehouse School of Medicine conducts research centered on the hypothesis that secreted Nef protein plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS. It has also served as a genesis for investigations into other major focus areas, including Nephropathy, Cancer, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Immunotherapy.
This group is also a major source of student and postdoctoral training within the school (including the school's only National Research Service Award predoctoral fellow). Members of the group have also been appointed as investigators within the Emory/Morehouse Center for AIDS Research (CFAR).
Research Findings:
- Testing the efficacy and safety of natural herbal extracts that can be used as a treatment for HIV and AIDS
- HIV Associated Neurological Disorders (HAND) is Associated with Higher Levels of Nef Exosomes
- Genetic characterization of HIV type 1 Nef-induced vesicle secretion
- HIV-1 Nef protein is secreted into vesicles that can fuse with target cells and virions.
- Chimeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 virions that contain the simian immunodeficiency virus nef gene are cyclosporin A resistant.
- Community - Engaged Prevention Research
Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center
African Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV. In 2010, an estimated 7,000 African American youth accounted for all new HIV infections, while Hispanic and white youth accounted for an estimated 2,390 and 2,380 of new HIV infections, respectively. In addition, African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Having an STI can make one more likely to get HIV.
To address this health disparity, researchers at the Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center (PRC) conducts a research project entitled, “A Multi-Method Approach to STI and HIV/AIDS Prevention Among Urban Minority Youth” to reduce STI and HIV infections among African American youth. This project was conceptualized at a retreat in partnership with the MSM Community Coalition Board (CCB). Learn more about the CCB by reading the research publication below.
Research Findings:
The PRC also plans to lead an implementation research study to test an evidence-based HIV testing, education and condom distribution intervention in collaboration with minority serving institutions, surrounding communities and local health departments in rural and urban areas across the State of Georgia.
- Clinical Care
Morehouse Healthcare
The Infectious Disease Department of Morehouse Healthcare (MHC) provides services for the care of outpatients and inpatients with infectious disease (ID) challenges.
The department's mission is to provide consultations for clinical care, assist in training medical students and residents and undertake cutting-edge clinical and laboratory research.
HIV-infected patients are seen by self-referral as well as by physician referral. Long-term primary care is provided for HIV-infected patients, or patients may remain with their primary care physician and be seen at longer intervals in our Outpatient Clinic for adjustment of HIV treatment and medications.
Learn more about physicians with this specialty.
The H.E.A.L clinic, an arm under Morehouse Healthcare is a student-run clinic that exist to contribute to health equity of the underserved and uninsured populations in Georgia. They strive to provide concise patient education to promote disease prevention, including, but not limited to HIV/AIDS.
- Education & Training
Georgia AIDS Education and Training Center (GA AETC)
Serving the Educational Needs of HIV/AIDS Healthcare Providers in Georgia
Mission
The Georgia AIDS Education and Training Center (GA AETC) provides custom-designed training and technical assistance to support, motivate, and educate healthcare clinicians, enabling them to provide quality HIV care.We inspire providers to:
- Improve the HIV Care Continuum
- Increase patient retention in care
- Produce positive patient outcomes
- Promote networking and capacity
The AETC’s goal is to build the capacity of clinicians throughout their careers to care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Learn more to request training and other services.
The Department of Family Medicine at MSM is also developing Graduate Medical Education training for HIV prevention through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and highly active antiretroviral (HAART) therapy.