Dr. Alexander’s NIH-funded laboratory studies the pathogenesis, immunology and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.  Using cell culture and biochemical methods, Dr. Alexander’s laboratory is working to characterize the interactions between viral and host-cell proteins that underlie the coordinated control of papillomavirus transcription and DNA replication.  The Alexander laboratory has also begun work to determine how papillomavirus proteins modulate the innate immune responses of HPV-infected cells.  In a third area of research, Dr. Alexander and his collaborators are working to develop chemically-modified short interfering RNAs as HPV antiviral agents.  Dr. Alexander is also involved in efforts to promote HPV immunization among young women in under-resourced communities.