Welcome to the Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing (CNVGE) at Temple University. We are a leading research and education center that focuses on how viruses affect the central nervous system (CNS) and how gene editing can be used to develop new treatments for neurological diseases.
Breakthroughs don’t happen in isolation. That’s why the CNVGE was established in 2021. Our center allows a diverse team of leading scientists, researchers, and clinical collaborators to study complex brain disorders and translate discoveries into innovative, real-world therapies.
Our faculty span more than thirteen departments, actively collaborating on research into virus-related brain conditions such as:
- HIV (neuroHIV).
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
- Brain tumors.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Our work is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise in neuroscience, virology, immunology, and gene therapy. We explore how viruses trigger CNS damage and how tools like CRISPR/Cas9 can remove harmful viral DNA from infected cells.
CNVGE also partners with other institutions through major national programs:
- The Comprehensive NeuroHIV Center (CNHC), developed by the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Katz ) and Drexel University, is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and supports HIV cure research in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area.
- The CRISPR for Cure initiative, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Martin Delaney Collaboratories, brings together researchers from five universities and two industry partners to eliminate HIV at the genetic level.
Our mission also includes education and mentorship. CNVGE faculty train graduate and medical students through lectures and hands-on research. We teach at Temple University’s Katz School of Medicine, Kornberg School of Dentistry, and the School of Podiatric Medicine.
By combining basic neuroscience with translational research, CNVGE is working to reimagine neurological treatment. Through leading-edge science and strong clinical collaboration, we aim to improve the lives of future generations affected by virus-induced brain diseases.
Kamel Khalili, PhD
Director, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing