PhD
Boshamer Distinguished Professor
Co-Leader, UNC Lineberger Virology Research Program
Vice Dean for Research, School of Medicine
UNC-Chapel Hill
Virology Research Program
Area of Interest
Globally, it is estimated that between 15-20 percent of all cancers are associated with oncogenic viruses. These include EBV, KSHV, HPV, HCV, HBV, MCV and HTLV-1. The work in our laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of different oncogenic viruses. We study several oncogenic human viruses including, but not limited to, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).
KSHV is associated with a number of human malignancies including Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases such as multicentric Castleman’s disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma i.e. primary effusion lymphoma. Malignancies associated with KSHV are usually (but not always) seen in the context of immune-suppression i.e. in HIV-infected individuals and transplant patients. Both Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and KSHV are gammaherpesviruses. Herpesviruses are characterized by their ability to persist in either a latent or lytic phase in the host. In latent infection, viral gene expression is limited and the viral genome remains associated with the cell for many generations without virus production. However, during the lytic phase there is a temporal order of viral gene expression resulting in the production of infectious viral progeny. The specific mechanisms as to how these viruses induce cellular transformation are under investigation and our lab is focused on understanding how the virus transforms cells and persists in them.
We also study basic cellular and viral mechanisms that determine how these viruses are able to maintain the latent and lytic phases of its lifecycle. Hence, the work in our lab spans the fields of infectious disease, cancer biology and immunology.
Please visit our lab website, www.damania.org
Awards and Honors
- Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award, 2021
- Award for Excellence in Basic Science Mentoring, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2020
- Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2020
- Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2018
- Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2017
- Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professorship, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2015
- Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology, USA, 2013
- Kavli Scholar, National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2011
- Dolph O. Adams Award, Society for Leukocyte Biology, 2011
- Phillip and Ruth Hettleman Prize for Scholarly and Artistic Achievement, 2008
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigator in Infectious Disease, 2006-2011
- American Heart Association Established Investigator Award, 2006-2011
- Jefferson Pilot Award in Faculty Medicine, 2005
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar, 2005-2010
- AACR-Gertrude Elion Scholar Award, 2004
- American Herpes Foundation Research Scholar Award, 2003
- V Foundation Scholar Award, 2001
News and Stories
UNC research shows natural compound could benefit lymphoma patients
New UNC study finds that a chemical derived from ashwagandha disrupts viral and cancer processes that make B-cell lymphomas difficult to treat with standard chemotherapy.
Scientific symposium celebrates UNC Lineberger’s 50th anniversary
The 48th annual scientific symposium featured lively talks on cancer discovery and application, marked the kickoff of UNC Lineberger’s 50th anniversary as an NCI-designated cancer center, and celebrated Shelley Earp, MD, for his leadership at UNC and nationally.
