Skip Navigation

Find a Doctor

Find a Researcher

Joseph L. Mankowski, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Joseph Leonard Mankowski, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Headshot of Joseph L. Mankowski
  • Professor of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology

Research Interests

Neuropathology; Retrovirology

Play Video:

Joseph Mankowski - How HIV Damages Organs

Background

Dr. Joseph L. Mankowski is a professor of molecular and comparative pathobiology, pathology and neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research focuses on the impact of HIV on the peripheral nervous system. His lab identified biomarkers that predict the onset of central nervous system disease arising from the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

His team is studying the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection using the SIV/macaque model. They are using the SIV animal model to test the FDA-approved HIV drug maraviroc for its ability to reduce damage to the nerves and heart.

Dr. Mankowski received his undergraduate degree in neurobiology and behavior from Cornell University. He earned his D.V.M. from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in human genetics from the Johns Hopkins University. He completed a residency in pathology at Johns Hopkins and joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 1992.

Dr. Mankowski provides diagnostic pathology support for the diverse animal species used in biomedical research at Johns Hopkins and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

...read more

Titles

  • Professor of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
  • Professor of Neurology
  • Professor of Pathology

Departments / Divisions

Centers & Institutes

Education

Degrees

  • B.S.; Cornell University (New York) (1983)
  • D.V.M.; Cornell University (New York) (1987)
  • Ph.D.; Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) (1998)

Additional Training

  • Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 1996, Comparative Pathology; University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, 1988, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
  • American College of Veterinary Pathologists / Diplomate, Veterinary Anatomic Pathology

Research & Publications

Research Summary

The Mankowski lab group studies the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection using the SIV/macaque model.

Pathogenesis of HIV-induced nervous system and cardiac disease processes
HIV is well known for its ability to induce loss of CD4+ T-cells leading to immune suppression manifest as AIDS. HIV infection also causes debilitating disease in the brain, the peripheral nervous system and in the heart secondary to infection of macrophages. Although virus-induced damage to these organs is common, the pathogenesis remains poorly defined. Using the SIV/macaque model of HIV, we use a multidisciplinary approach to dissect the mechanisms underlying these diseases, including the central role of macrophage activation.

Host genetics and lentiviral-induced CNS disease
The role that host genetics play in HIV-associated cognitive disorders is poorly understood. We have identified a novel association between expression of a MHC class I allele in pigtailed macaques and SIV-induced CNS disease that sets the stage for studies defining how MHC class I-mediated control of SIV replication in the brain influences SIV CNS disease outcomes.

Selected Publications

View all on PubMed

Klein AH, Vyshnevska A, Hartke TV, De Col R, Mankowski JL, Turnquist BP, Bosmans F, Reeh PW, Schmelz M, Carr RW, Ringkamp M. Sodium channel NaV1.8 underlies TTX-resistant axonal action potential conduction in somatosensory C-fibers of distal cutaneous nerves. J Neurosci. 2017. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3799-16.2017. PubMed PMID: 28450535.

Gama L, Abreu CM, Shirk EN, Price SL, Li M, Laird GM, Pate KA, Wietgrefe SW, O'Connor SL, Pianowski L, Haase AT, Van Lint C, Siliciano RF, Clements JE, Group L-SS. Reactivation of simian immunodeficiency virus reservoirs in the brain of virally suppressed macaques. AIDS. 2017;31(1):5-14. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000001267. PubMed PMID: 27898590; PMCID: PMC5131686

Mangus LM, Dorsey JL, Weinberg RL, Ebenezer GJ, Hauer P, Laast VA, Mankowski JL. Tracking Epidermal Nerve Fiber Changes in Asian Macaques: Tools and Techniques for Quantitative Assessment. Toxicol Pathol. 2016;44(6):904-12. doi: 10.1177/0192623316650286. PubMed PMID: 27235324; PMCID: PMC4965306

Avalos CR, Price SL, Forsyth ER, Pin JN, Shirk EN, Bullock BT, Queen SE, Li M, Gellerup D, O'Connor SL, Zink MC, Mankowski JL, Gama L, Clements JE. Quantitation of Productively Infected Monocytes and Macrophages of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques. J Virol. 2016;90(12):5643-56. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00290-16. PubMed PMID: 27030272; PMCID: PMC4886778

Dorsey JL, Mangus LM, Hauer P, Ebenezer GJ, Queen SE, Laast VA, Adams RJ, Mankowski JL. Persistent Peripheral Nervous System Damage in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2015;74(11):1053-60. doi: 10.1097/NEN.0000000000000249. PubMed PMID: 26426267; PMCID: PMC4607660

Contact for Research Inquiries

733 N. Broadway
MRB 827
Baltimore, MD 21205 map
Phone: 410-955-9770
Fax: 410-955-9823

Email me

Academic Affiliations & Courses

Graduate Program Affiliation

Pathobiology Graduate Program

Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program

Activities & Honors

Professional Activities

  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Is this you? Edit Profile
back to top button