Research Interests Our laboratory is involved in studies concerning the role of a newly discovered human herpesvirus, HHV-8, in development and pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or HHV-8, is a newly discovered member of the human herpesvirus family whose DNA sequences have been found in samples of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The discovery of a new human herpesvirus has generated a great deal of interest which is magnified by it's potential role in the establishment of human cancers. KSHV DNA sequences have been detected in tissues from AIDS-associated, classic and endemic forms of KS as well as in some EBV-infected lymphomas and non-KS skin cancers. Our studies are involved in 1) determining the prevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) antibodies in different, well characterized populations under varying levels of risk for development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), 2) in collaboration with Dr. Charles Rinaldo, identifying viral epitopes targeted by CD8+ cytolytic T-cells, 3) investigating the interactions of HHV-8 with other lymphotrophic herpesviruses during acute infections and viral reactivation events and 3) investigating paracrine effects of different viral proteins on carcinogensis.   Selected Publications Montgomery JD, Hensler HR, Jacobson LP, Jenkins FJ. Validation of a low cost computer-based method for quantification of immunohistochemistry-stained sections. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2008 Jul;16(4):400-4. Nawar EW, Cole SR, Farzadegan H, Witt MD, Jenkins FJ, Margolick JB, Phair JP, Jacobson LP. Sexual activity and Kaposi's sarcoma among human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and human herpesvirus type 8-coinfected men. Ann Epidemiol. 2008 Jul;18(7):517-21. Epub 2008 May 27. Rappocciolo G, Hensler HH, Jais M, Reinhart TA, Pegu A, Jenkins FJ, Rinaldo CR. HHV-8 infects and replicates in primary cultures of activated B lymphocytes through DC-sign. J Virol. 2008 Mar 12. Sutcliffe S, Giovannucci E, Gaydos CA, Viscidi RP, Jenkins FJ, Zenilman JM, Jacobson LP, De Marzo AM, Willett WC, Platz EA. Plasma antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus, and human herpesvirus type 8 in relation to prostate cancer: a prospective study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007 Aug;16(8):1573-80. Jenkins FJ, Hayes RB, Jackson A, Pizza G, Mbisa G, Whitby D, Goedert JJ. Human herpesvirus 8 seroprevalence among prostate cancer case patients and control subjects. J Infect Dis. 2007 Jul 15;196(2):208-11. Complete Publication Listing     Other Links http://www.idm.pitt.edu/faculty/jenkins.html University of Pittsburgh

Frank J Jenkins , Ph.D., Associate Professor Office:  Hillman Cancer Center, Research Pavilion, G.17b Lab:Hillman Cancer Center, Research Pavilion G.16 Phone:412-623-3233 Fax: 412-623-1119 fjenkins@pitt.edu   Academic Affiliations Department of Pathology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Primary Appointment Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (School of Public Health) Secondary Appointment Center for Neuroscience University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute   Education 1978 B.A. Biology North Texas State University Denton, TX 1979 M.S. Biology North Texas State University Denton, TX 1984 Ph.D. Medical Microbiology Pennsylvania State University Hershey, PA 1984 - 1987 Postdoctoral Fellow (Virology) University of Chicago Chicago, IL   Lab Personnel Heather Hensler, Jill Montgomery, Patrick Shea, Stefanie Morosky, Jim Ackerman, Danica Cowan