Introduction:

The study of viruses, the diseases they cause, the strategies for their prevention and control, and the development of viruses as vectors for gene therapy are all rapidly expanding areas of basic and clinical research at the forefront of modern biomedical investigations. The simplest of all life forms, these infectious agents are responsible for some of the greatest scourges of humans. However, analyses of the mechanisms by which viruses grow have provided insight into many of the basic processes of life itself, providing us with models for the control and structure of genes, the structure and functions of proteins, and the mechanisms of cell function and growth. Furthermore, they have provided us with mechanisms to alter the genetic content of the host cell, providing a window for their use in the therapy of genetic diseases.

The Pittsburgh Committee for Virology (PCV) is an organization which brings together the scientists and physicians of the Pittsburgh area who work in a wide variety of basic, clinical and molecular aspects of virology. Over 30 faculty members participate in the PCV from the Pittsburgh area. Their fields range from bacteriophage structure and control of viral gene expression to the mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and the treatment of viral disease in humans. Furthermore, Pittsburgh has enjoyed national attention as a center for studies on HIV and AIDS, as well as being a center for the development of human gene therapy using engineered viruses as vectors. Faculty are primarily based at the University of Pittsburgh, however, affiliated faculty at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University and the Magee Womens Research Institute also participate in the research and teaching goals of the PCV.

The mission of the PCV is to coordinate, promote and enhance activities and resources related to research and teaching in the field of virology. Graduate level courses in comprehensive virology and in viral pathogenesis are offered yearly, covering both the basic aspects of virus replication as well as the mechanisms by which viruses cause human disease. In addition, contemporary advanced topics in virology are offered, in which current, rapidly advancing and sometimes controversial fields of virology are critically discussed and evaluated in detail by faculty and students. The PCV also promotes research seminars and sponsors an Annual Symposium, where internationally recognized leaders in a particular field of virology present research at the forefront of modern science. Finally, The PCV acts as a network to coordinate and promote collaborative basic and clinical virology research programs, enabling transfer of new ideas and technologies among members and from the lab to the clinic.

This Web Site contains information on the members of the Pittsburgh Committee for Virology and outlines their research interests, programs and projects in virology. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Pittsburgh Committee for Virology at (412) 383-8797