Our laboratory studies cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) focusing on 1) how virus and viral proteins alter neuronal physiology, synaptic transmission and plasticity via subtypes of NMDA receptors, and 2) role of voltage-gated K channel Kv1.3 in HIV-1-associated mononuclear phagocytes (brain macrophages and microglia) activation, resultant production of proinflammatory substances and consequent neurocognitive impairment.  Another focus in the laboratory investigates how the drugs of abuse, in particular methamphetamine, augment HIV-1-associated neuropathology via NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The ultimate goal of the laboratory research is to identify potential targets for the development of therapeutic strategies for HAND and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.