​Research Groups: Cancer and Virus

Our research group works in the areas of Oncology, Virology, as well as the overlap of the two; Viral Oncology. Our interest is currently focused on Human Immunodeficiency, Human Papilloma, and Hepatitis C viruses (HIV, HPV, and HCV, respectively). The group is investigating the molecular epidemiology of HIV and HPV in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Kenya. In the case of HIV, we are studying the prevalence of virus subtypes and their mutation variants in the above-mentioned countries. This study focuses on the patterns of HIV evolution arising under selection from diverse host immunogenetic pressures. In addition, we are involved in drug screening to evaluate anti-viral potential of certain commonly used bactericidal drugs. We are using in vitro models to test the effect of these drugs on the DNA replication of HPV and HCV.

Current Projects

• Molecular Epidemiology of HIV and HPV in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Kenya

• Evolution of HIV mutation variants in the context of host immunogenetics

• Analysis of anti-viral effect of certain bactericidal drugs

Funding

• Anti-viral Activity of Fluoroquinolones against HPV. (2005-2008). Funded by University Research Council, Aga Khan University (AKU), (Principal Investigator).

• Molecular epidemiology of Human Immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) in Aga Khan University Hospitals (AKUH), Nairobi and Karachi. (2006-2009). Funded by University Research Council, AKU, (Co-Principal Investigator).

• Cell cycle responses of hepatocytes during chronic hepatitis C virus infection. (2005-2008). Funded by University Research Council, AKU, (Co-Principal Investigator).

• Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus testing as an adjunct to pap smears in primary screening for cervical cancer. (2006-2007). Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates institute, USA , (Co-Principal Investigator).

• Molecular epidemiology of HIV in high risk communities of Pakistan. (2007-2008). Funded by the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World , Italy , (Principal Investigator).

• Antiviral effects of Fluoroquinolones on Hepatitis C virus. (2007-2010). Higher Education Commission, Pakistan , (Principal Investigator)

Recent Publications

• Shafiq, M., and S. H. Ali. STIs in Pakistan - speak of the unspeakable. Lancet Infect. Dis., 6(6):321-2, 2006.
• Rai, M. A., S. H. Ali. Cervical cancer vaccine: The Indian sub-continental context. Vaccine, 24(49-50):7024, 2006.
• Ali S. H.,  A. Chandraker, and J. A. DeCaprio. Inhibition of SV40 large T antigen helicase activity by fluoroquinolones. Antivir. Ther., 12(1):1-6, 2007.
• Khan S., N. N. Jaffer, M. N. Khan, M. A. Rai, M. Shafiq, A. Ali, S. Pervez, N. Khan, A. Aziz, S. H. Ali. Human Papilloma Virus Subtype 16 is Common in Pakistani Women with Cervical Carcinoma. Int. J. Infect. Dis., 4:313-7, 2007.
• Khan S., M. A. Rai, M. R. Khanani, M. N. Khan and S. H. Ali. HIV-1 subtype A infection in a community of intravenous drug users in Pakistan. BMC Infect. Dis., 6:164, 2007.
• Rai MA, Warraich HJ, Ali SH, Nerurkar VR. HIV/AIDS in Pakistan: the battle begins. Retrovirology, 4:22, 2007.
• Khan S., A. Khan, A. Farooqui, S. U. Kazmi , S. H. Ali. Prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in 2005-Earthquake-affected areas of Pakistan. BMC Infect. Dis., 8:147, 2008.
• Rajabali A., S. Khan, H. J. Warraich, M. R. Khanani, S. H. Ali.  HIV and Homosexuality in Pakistan. Lancet Infect. Dis., 8(8):511-5, 2008.
• Rai M. A.,  H. J. Warraich, M. R. Khanani, A. Hayat, S. H. Ali. Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Pakistan. J. Med. Virol., 80(6):1004-6, 2008.
• Rajabali A., M. A. Rai, S. H. Ali. H5N1 in Pakistan. PLoS Medicine, 2008. Response to: Uscher-Pines L, Omer SB, Barnett DJ, Burke TA, Balicer RD. Priority Setting for Pandemic Influenza: An Analysis of National Preparedness Plans. PLoS Med,. 2006, 3(10):e436 (Letter).
• Khoja S., Ojwang P., Khan S., Okinda N., Harania R., S. Ali. Genetic Analysis of HIV-1 Subtypes in Nairobi, Kenya. PLoS ONE., 3(9):e3191, 2008.
• Rajabali A., S. H. Ali. HIV and Homosexuality in Pakistan - Author's reply. Lancet Infect. Dis., 9(4):205-6, 2009.
• Rajabali A., Moin O., Khanani M. R., Ali S. H. Communicable diseases amongst displaced Afghans: refuge without shelter. Nat. Rev. Microbiol., 7(8):609-14, 2009.

Group Members