Subtyping of HIV-1 and detection of recombinants in India by high throughput screening:

• HIV-2 envelope gene cloning and sequencing from Indian patients
• 32 Mutation in CCR5 Coreceptor in Long term Non-Progressors and Exposed but Uninfected individuals
• Neutralization epitope mapping in HIV-1 Envelope protein and characterization of escape mutants
• Genetic Diversity and Molecular Characterization of HIV-1
• Cellular Tropism of HIV-1 of Indian Clades in primary cell types and their sensitivities to novel inhibitors, chemokine antagonists and antibodies
• Factors regulating slow and rapid progression of AIDS
• Host and viral factors regulating transmission and pathogenesis of HIV-1 in HIV-associated neuropathogenesis and HIV-associated pulmonary tuberculosis
• Trafficking of HIV-1 viral proteins, budding and assembly in primary cell types
• Host and viral factors regulating transmission and pathogenesis of HIV-1 in HIV-associated neuropathogenesis and HIV-associated pulmonary tuberculosis
• Testing of indigenous products to screen anti-HIV activities towards development of microbicides

IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY:

Immunology:

• Development of a candidate vaccine basedon multiple CTL epitopes for gag and env antigens from Indian HIV-1subtype C viruses
• Immunological and virological characterization of early HIV infection
• External quality assurance programme for NACO centers estimating CD4 count estimation in ART roll out programme
• Interaction of dendritic cells and HIV
• Assessing the Vascular Changes occurring in the Cervix in relation to the Hormonal levels and Menstrual Cycle
• Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Antiretroviral Therapy plus HIV Primary Care versus HIV Primary Care Alone to Prevent the Sexual Transmission of HIV-1 in Sero-discordant Couples (HPTN 052 Study)
• Annual Sentinel Surveillance for HIV infection

Serology:

• Tests for HIV antibodies in the blood samples obtained from the patients who attended any of the nine clinics of the institute
• Confirmation of HIV diagnosis of samples received from various organizations in and around Pune and other parts of Maharashtra state
• Testing samples of foreign students admitted to Pune University
• Testing of blood products for anti-HIV antibody received from the Drug Controller’s Office, Mumbai
• Evaluation of commercial kits for detection of HIV antibody on receipt of request from the manufacturers