• Jump to main navigation
  • Jump to content
U of U Health
  • Billing & Insurance
  • MyChart
Search
  • Find A U of U Health Doctor
  • All U of U Health Services
  • All U of U Health Locations
  • For All U of U Health Patients & Visitors
    • Patient Services
      • Questions About Your Bill?
      • Urgent Care
      • Where to Stay
      • Patients & Family Services
      • Clinical Trials
    • University of Utah Hospital
      • University of Utah Hospital
      • Staying at the Hospital
      • Parking & Valet
      • Looking for Another Location?
    • General Questions
      • 801-581-2668
      • Find an Interpreter
      • About U of U Health
  • Billing & Insurance
  • MyChart
  • Search

Sankar Swaminathan, MD

Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases

  • Clinical Information
  • Academic Information
  • Clinical Trials
  • Patient Resources
  • Videos & News
No Rating Available?
In order to provide our patients and visitors with the most accurate and useful information, we only post physician satisfaction data when a physician has received a minimum of 30 returned surveys. For this provider, we have not yet received the minimum.
0 out of 5 Patient Rating

Languages Spoken: English

Sankar Swaminathan, MD has specialized expertise in the treatment of infectious diseases. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. His main clinical focus is in the diagnosis and treatment of infections in immunocompromised patients, including cancer patients and transplant recipients. He has integrated a research program funded by the National Cancer institute on the role of viruses in cancers into his clinical practice.

Clinical Locations

University Hospital
Infectious Diseases, Area E

801-585-2031

50 N Medical Dr
Salt Lake City, UT  84132
E-10

Map

Specialties

  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Infectious Diseases

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Internal Medicine - Professor
Pathology - Adjunct Professor
Academic Divisions Infectious Diseases
Microbiology and Immunology
Board Certification American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine (Sub: Infectious Disease)
American Board of Internal Medicine (Sub: Infectious Disease)

Sankar Swaminathan, MD has specialized expertise in the treatment of infectious diseases. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. His main clinical focus is in the diagnosis and treatment of infections in immunocompromised patients, including cancer patients and transplant recipients. He has integrated a research program funded by the National Cancer institute on the role of viruses in cancers into his clinical practice.

Academic Locations

Research Statement

The major long-term goal of my research studies is to understand the mechanisms by which human cancer-causing herpesviruses interact with the host cell. We study Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated virus (KSHV). EBV has been identified as a cause of Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphomas in transplant recipients, gastric cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. KSHV causes lymphoma in addition to Kaposi’s sarcoma, a malignancy of the blood vessels. Both of these viruses maintain latent infections in their human host but intermittently lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation that results in cancer. We apply molecular techniques to identify how specific viral gene products modulate cell functions. We introduce targeted genetic changes into the viral DNA, altering or deleting the gene of interest. Prior to 1990, it was not possible to do this with EBV. We developed techniques which allowed the generation of viable EBV viruses (genetic recombinants) that could be used to determine the role of virtually any EBV gene.

We have applied these and other methods to study a unique EBV gene, known as the SM gene, that regulates not only EBV genes, but also those of the host cell. The SM protein acts by pirating components of the host cell to facilitate expression of EBV genes and also modulates host gene expression. Our most recent research accomplishments include the following:

1) We have shown why the SM gene is essential for EBV replication by using an EBV microarray we developed. Specifically, SM is required for production of EBV DNA polymerase, and therefore for replication of the viral DNA, establishing the potential utility of SM as a therapeutic target for novel treatment modalities.

2) We have shown that SM affects host cell RNA splicing. This effect of EBV on host cell splicing, by altering the levels of signaling in the interferon signaling pathway, is predicted to have an inhibitory effect on IFN gamma signaling. Thus the EBV protein downregulates the host immune response to virus replication at the level of mRNA processing.

3) We have shown that several cellular genes induced by interferon (ISGs) are also induced specifically by SM protein. We have found that three of these cellular proteins potently inhibit growth of tumor cells. We are expressing these proteins in adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to determine if they could be used as gene therapy vectors with limited toxicity to normal cells.

4) We discovered and cloned the homolog of the SM gene in KSHV. By specifically deleting the gene from the virus, we showed that this gene is essential for KSHV replication. This work is currently funded by two NIH RO1 grants from the National Cancer Institute and we have been consistently funded by the NIH in the field of gammaherpesvirus research for over 18 years.

Our current research agenda consists of further discovery of the molecular interactions between EBV and KSHV and the host cell. Specifically, we are performing experiments to determine exactly how these RNA binding proteins recognize their target messenger RNAs. By defining the structure and sequence of the target, we will be able to fully understand how the virus modulates cellular gene expression. The second major area of research is to understand the role of the proteins produced by the host cell in response to interferon and viral infection (the ISGs). These proteins are the primary response of the cell to infection, yet surprisingly little is known about their function. By using affinity purification and mass spectroscopy, we are identifying the protein partners of the ISGs to map the pathways that they regulate, and how these protect against virus infection. Understanding the mechanism of action of these proteins has the potential to lead to discovery of protective mechanisms against viral infection.

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Internal Medicine - Professor
Pathology - Adjunct Professor
Academic Divisions Infectious Diseases
Microbiology and Immunology
Board Certification American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine (Sub: Infectious Disease)
American Board of Internal Medicine (Sub: Infectious Disease)

Education History

Research Fellow Beth Israel Hospital, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Infectious Disease
Research Fellow, 1990
Research Fellow Harvard Medical School
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Research Fellow, 1990
Fellowship Beth Israel Hospital, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Infectious Disease
Clinical Fellow, 1988
Fellowship Harvard Medical School
Medicine
Clinical Fellow, 1988
Residency University of Chicago Medical Center
Internal Medicine
Resident, 1987
Internship University of Chicago Medical Center
Internal Medicine
Intern, 1985
Professional Medical Emory University School of Medicine
Medicine
M.D., 1984
Graduate Training Emory University School of Medicine
Microbiology and Immunology
M.S., 1982
Undergraduate Harvard College
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, magna cum laude
A.B., 1979

Selected Publications - Journal Articles

Journal Article

  1. Harmon KG, Pottinger PS, Baggish AL, Drezner JA, Luks AM, Thompson AA, Swaminathan S (2020). Comorbid Medical Conditions in Young Athletes: Considerations for Preparticipation Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Sports Health, 12(5), 456-458.
  2. Verma D, Church TM, Swaminathan S (2020). Epstein-Barr virus co-opts TFIIH component XPB to specifically activate essential viral lytic promoters. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 117(23), 13044-13055.
  3. Li D, Mosbruger T, Verma D, Swaminathan S (2020). Complex Interactions between Cohesin and CTCF in Regulation of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Transcription. J Virol, 94(2).
  4. Agrawal R, Durupt G, Verma D, Montgomery M, Vieira-de Abreu A, Taylor C, Swaminathan S, Fisher SJ (2019). MicroRNA-7a overexpression in VMH restores the sympathoadrenal response to hypoglycemia. JCI Insight, 4(20).
  5. Li D, Swaminathan S (2019). Human IFIT proteins inhibit lytic replication of KSHV: A new feed-forward loop in the innate immune system. PLoS Pathog, 15(2), e1007609.
  6. Sundermann AJ, Clancy CJ, Pasculle AW, Liu G, Cumbie RB, Driscoll E, Ayres A, Donahue L, Pergam SA, Abbo L, Andes DR, Chandrasekar P, Galdys AL, Hanson KE, Marr KA, Mayer J, Mehta S, Morris MI, Perfect J, Revankar SG, Smith B, Swaminathan S, Thompson GR, Varghese M, Vazquez J, Whimbey E, Wingard JR, Nguyen MH (2018). How Clean Is the Linen at My Hospital? The Mucorales on Unclean Linen Discovery Study of Large United States Transplant and Cancer Centers. Clin Infect Dis, 68(5), 850-853.
  7. Fu W, Verma D, Burton A, Swaminathan S (2019). Cellular RNA Helicase DHX9 Interacts with the Essential Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Protein SM and Restricts EBV Lytic Replication. J Virol, 93(4).
  8. Li D, Fu W, Swaminathan S (2018). Continuous DNA replication is required for late gene transcription and maintenance of replication compartments in gammaherpesviruses. PLoS Pathog, 14(5), e1007070.
  9. Church TM, Verma D, Thompson J, Swaminathan S (2018). Efficient Translation of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) DNA Polymerase Contributes to the Enhanced Lytic Replication Phenotype of M81 EBV. J Virol, 92(6).
  10. Baden LR, Swaminathan S, Angarone M, Blouin G, Camins BC, Casper C, Cooper B, Dubberke ER, Engemann AM, Freifeld AG, Greene JN, Ito JI, Kaul DR, Lustberg ME, Montoya JG, Rolston K, Satyanarayana G, Segal B, Seo SK, Shoham S, Taplitz R, Topal J, Wilson JW, Hoffmann KG, Smith C (2016). Prevention and Treatment of Cancer-Related Infections, Version 2.2016, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. J Natl Compr Canc Netw, 14(7), 882-913.
  11. Verma D, Thompson J, Swaminathan S (2016). Spironolactone blocks Epstein-Barr virus production by inhibiting EBV SM protein function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 113(13), 3609-14.
  12. Baglio SR, van Eijndhoven MA, Koppers-Lalic D, Berenguer J, Lougheed SM, Gibbs S, Lveill N, Rinkel RN, Hopmans ES, Swaminathan S, Verkuijlen SA, Scheffer GL, van Kuppeveld FJ, de Gruijl TD, Bultink IE, Jordanova ES, Hackenberg M, Piersma SR, Knol JC, Voskuyl AE, Wurdinger T, Jimnez CR, Middeldorp JM, Pegtel DM (2016). Sensing of latent EBV infection through exosomal transfer of 5'pppRNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 113(5), E587-96.
  13. Thompson J, Verma D, Li D, Mosbruger T, Swaminathan S (2016). Identification and Characterization of the Physiological Gene Targets of the Essential Lytic Replicative Epstein-Barr Virus SM Protein. J Virol, 90(3), 1206-21.
  14. Verma D, Li DJ, Krueger B, Renne R, Swaminathan S (2015). Identification of the physiological gene targets of the essential lytic replicative Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ORF57 protein. J Virol, 89(3), 1688-702.
  15. Li DJ, Verma D, Mosbruger T, Swaminathan S (2014). CTCF and Rad21 act as host cell restriction factors for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic replication by modulating viral gene transcription. PLoS Pathog, 10(1), e1003880.

Case Report

  1. Swaminathan P, Swaminathan S (2020). Nail Findings in Chikungunya Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis, 7(2), ofaa031.

Letter

  1. Swaminathan S, Schlaberg R, Lewis J, Hanson KE, Couturier MR (2016). Fatal Zika Virus Infection with Secondary Nonsexual Transmission. [Letter to the editor]. N Engl J Med, 375(19), 1907-1909.

Global Impact

News Articles

10 preguntas sobre la polio

10 Questions About Polio

¿Tengo viruela del mono? Estas son las cuatro preguntas que hay que tener en cuenta

Do I Have Monkeypox? Here Are Four Questions to Consider

Estos son tres señales de que puede tener viruela del mono

Here Are Three Signs You May Have Monkeypox

Viruela del mono: Síntomas, transmisión y tratamiento

Monkeypox: Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment

La realidad sobre las vacunas COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccine Mythbusters

You’re Eligible for the Vaccine—Should You Get Your Shot?

Lo Que Necesita Saber Sobre las Vacunas COVID-19

What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines

Should You Take Pain Relievers Before Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine?

COVID-19 on the Slopes

Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Study Could Suggest a New Way to Control Epstein-Barr Virus

Case Study Reports Details of Mysterious Utah Zika-Related Death

Top 10 Health Concerns for Olympic Athletes

Worries About an Antibiotic Resistant "Superbug"

Hidden in Plain Sight: Well-Known Drug Could Yield New Treatment for Herpes Viruses

Zika Virus and Sexual Transmission: The Facts

The Super Bowl and The Flu

Charlie Sheen Admits He is HIV Positive

The Threat of MRSA in Sports

The Facts About Anthrax

Are Adults Protected From Measles?

Listeria Outbreak Raises Concerns

Careful Who You Kiss Under the Mistletoe

Department News

COVID-19 Vaccine: Our Shot for a Better Tomorrow

New Research Grants - October 2018

Sankar Swaminathan, MD

The Scope & Other Podcasts

  • What Is Monkeypox and How Can You Keep Yourself Safe?
  • Heart Drug Could Be Basis for New Treatment Against Epstein Barr Virus, Herpes Viruses
  • How to Protect Yourself Against Infectious Diseases When Traveling Abroad
  • The Difference Between Ebola in the US and In Africa
  • 49_Before Traveling_V06
  • University of Utah Health Care and Ebola.

Videos

49_Before Traveling_V06

University of Utah Health Care and Ebola.

Site Links

  • Find an Interpreter
  • About Us
  • Academics & Research
  • Billing
  • Jobs
  • Giving
  • Maps & Directions
  • Newsroom
  • Referring Providers

Helpful Links

  • Price Estimate
  • Patient Rights & Responsibilities
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Statement
  • DNV GL Public Information Policy Statement
  • Non-Discrimination Policy
  • Surprise Billing Rights
  • Webmaster

Contact Us

University of Utah Health

50 North Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Appointment Scheduling:
801-213-9500

Hospital Operator:
801-581-2121

En Español:
801-646-5914

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram

University of Utah

All clinical services and programs are part of University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics.

Copyright © 2023 University of Utah Health