? Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Core (Core 1, Leader: Dr. Guido Silvestri, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University) The most appropriate animal model to define the origin, kinetics, and impact of humoral and cellular immune- based strategies on viral rebound in infants following postnatal HIV-1 infection and treatment is simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection of rhesus macaques. Indeed, this model is particularly well-suited for our proposed studies because pediatric models of postnatal transmission have been developed and used to define the pathogenesis of infant HIV-1 infection and prevention strategies. However, NHP studies require extensive infrastructure and unique expertise. Thus, we the Program's Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Core (Core 1) will coordinate and implement all the NHP experiments proposed by the Program's two Projects: Project 1: ?Origin and predictors of viral rebound in infants?, (PI: Dr. Ann Chahroudi, Emory University), and Project 2: ?Impact of immune-based intervention on viral rebound in orally SHIV-infected infant monkeys? (PI: Dr. Genevieve Fouda, Duke University). The Core will support the Program through the following Specific Aims:
Aim 1 - Organize, coordinate, and conduct studies of infant SHIV reservoir and rebound;
Aim 2 - Administer and monitor antiretroviral treatment (ART) in orally SHIV-infected infant monkeys;
and Aim 3 - Perform pharmacokinetic analysis of polyclonal antibody infusions in infant macaques to determine the dose and administration interval for treatment of infant SHIV infection. Led by Dr. Guido Silvestri, the NHP Core will ensure the following that are essential to the successful completion of these projects: 1) adherence to regulatory procedures relevant to research with NHPs; 2) coordination and implementation of all animal-related procedures, including housing, immunizations of infants, nursery-rearing of infants, antiretroviral treatments, and sample collections for weekly viral load measurement and monthly blood counts; 3) proper storage and/or shipment of samples to the Projects and Cores; and 4) maintenance of a database of clinical health parameters. Dr. Silvestri will ensure all NHP supported research efforts are tightly integrated and that evolving needs of the research projects will be met. As an integral component of this Program, the NHP Core will provide critical support to achieve the shared goals of understanding the source, kinetics, and impact of immune interventions on HIV-1 rebound in postnatally infected infants.
