Research in the Panfil laboratory focuses on pathogenesis of the oncogenic retrovirus human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) where we utilize molecular tools, coupled with both in vitro and in vivo models of infection and disease. Ongoing projects include development of mRNA vaccines against HTLV-1 infection and disease development, the role of RNA m6A modification in HTLV-1 pathogenesis, relevance of the arginine methyltransferase enzyme PRMT5 on HTLV-1 disease progression, and the role of virally encoded Hbz protein and RNA during HTLV-1 persistence and disease development.