Brent Stanfield

Background

About Brent Stanfield

My research interests focus on understanding host/pathogen interaction of herpes viruses. Specifically, I am interested in the long-term consequences of latent herpes infection in the immunocompetent host (for example, the persistence of autoimmune diseases, and increased incidence of certain cancers). My previous research dealt with the development of novel oncolytic herpes viruses, and novel non-neurotropic herpes virus vectors for vaccine and therapeutic discovery and understanding the role of Epstein - Barr virus (EBV, human herpes virus 4) in viral oncogenesis. Recently, I have initiated a research program at LSU focusing on human herpes virus 5 (HHV-5, Cytomegalovirus, CMV). In this endeavor, I’ve gained experience using the murine model of CMV infection (MCMV) and developed in-vitro model systems to better understand CMV pathogenesis and immune responses. I have in-vitro and in-vivo experience with alpha, beta, and gamma herpes viruses. My current research investigates the role of a novel gamma herpesvirus endemic to guinea pigs (Guinea Pig Herpes Like Virus, GPHLV) in the development of lymphoma or other cancers in infected animals. I am the first person to report on the genomic sequence of GPHLV and I am actively pursuing the development of this model for the preclinical evaluation of therapeutics and vaccines against oncogenic gamma herpesviruses. I am an expert in the pre-clinical evaluation of herpesvirus pathogenesis and diverse animal models of infectious disease.