Our Research

Welcome to the Corey Lab. Our lab focuses on the pathogenesis of chronic viral infections and host immune responses. This includes herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and HIV, and most recently SARS-CoV-2. We use HSV as a model to study the tissue based immune system of the genital tract. Our studies indicate a diverse and unique set of tissue resident cells populate the genital tract and our work is devoted to identifying and understanding the role of these cells in disease pathogenesis. The ultimate goal for these projects is to develop immunotherapeutic methods to control subclinical HSV-2 reactivation and reduce the transmission to sexual partners. Our lab has also initiated several preclinical studies to use adoptive transfer of genetically engineered T cells (CAR T cells) to traffic to and be effectors in lymphoid follicles with a goal to eradicate HIV infections.