I started my scientific career under the guidance of Dr. Ivan Hirsch and Dr. Vladimir Vonka at the Department of Experimental Virology, in the Institute of Sera and Vaccines in Prague, Czechoslovakia studying the role of herpetic viruses in human cancer. We were the first to provide the evidence for the association of Epstein-Barr virus with carcinomas of Waldeyer’s ring outside of nasopharynx. I continued my research on Epstein-Barr Virus and it’s role in the development of various malignancies at the Department of Pathology/Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE. Having access to the malignant tissues from patients suffering from hereditary (XLP), acquired (HIV/AIDS) and induced (transplant patients) immunodeficiences we were in a unique position to make a contribution to understanding of clonal evolution of EBV associated B-cell lymphomas in immunodeficient patients. Due to premature death of the head of the department Dr. Purtilo the whole program was wound down and this line of research could not be continued at UNMC. Joining Dr. Mario Stevenson’s laboratory enabled me to proceed with research involving viruses and immunodeficiencies. My work on HIV accessory genes vpr/vpx and nef contributed to better understanding of HIV/SIV evolution and pathogenesis. Independent line of research on effect of immunizations on HIV-1 activation in HIV-1 infected subjects started the scientific discussion that led to the recommendation of simultaneous use of antiretroviral therapy during the immunizations of HIV-1 positive people. Results of my research in the laboratory of Dr. Bukrinsky at the George Washington University led to my enhanced interest in the role of host innate immune responses on pathogenesis of HIV-1. I have continued this line of research in the laboratories of Dr. Margolis and Dr. Hamer at NIH. Studying the effect of simultaneous co-infection of various microbes with HIV-1 I was first to describe in ex vivo system contrasting roles played by activation of various Toll like receptors on HIV replication and the role of innate immunity responses to vaginal microbiota on SHIV transmission during the testing of a life microbicide in macaques. After my return from NIH back to Dr. Bukrinsky laboratory at GWU, I expanded my research to the area of HIV interaction with cellular cholesterol pathways and the effect of HIV infection on development of atherosclerosis. Lately, I broadened my previous research on effect of HIV infection on intercellular communication to include extracellular vesicles, in particular exosomes, as well.