Fatah Kashanchi

Dr. Fatah Kashanchi is a Professor of Virology and Director of the Laboratory of Molecular Virology at George Mason University (GMU), affiliated with the School of Systems Biology. His research focuses on human retroviruses, biodefense, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in host-pathogen interactions.

• PhD in Microbiology, University of Kansas (1991)
• MS in Microbiology, Emporia State University (1985)
• BS in Microbiology, Missouri State University (1983)

Dr. Kashanchi's work spans retrovirus gene expression, EV-mediated viral pathogenesis, and transcription inhibition. He investigates EVs in HIV-1 and Ebola virus immune evasion, small molecule inhibitors against viral machinery, and humanized mouse models for disease study.

His recent publications highlight EVs' role in viral spread, transcriptional dynamics, and therapeutic RNA delivery systems. Key contributions include understanding how EVs modulate cell cycle and inflammation in HIV-1 and Ebola infections, and developing EV-based therapies.

• R01 MH134389 (2023-2028): HIV in the brain via EVs
• VIPC/CCF/extracellular vesicles grant (2023-2024)
• R56 NIAID (2024-2025): Parasite-derived EVs in Babesia
• R43 NIGMS (2024-2025): Anti-aging EVs detection

He co-organized and presides over the American Society for Intercellular Communication (ASIC) annual meetings. Dr. Kashanchi teaches Emerging Infectious Diseases and Grant Writing, and facilitates colloquium series.