This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.To provide expert support to AIDS research conducted at the Primate Center.1. PROGRESS AND CONCERNSThe Virology Services Unit (VS) continued to improve the throughput of our quantitative RT-PCR assay for SIV. Over 5,000 individual samples were assayed for SIV nucleic acids in 2007. The assay is very sensitive, reliably detecting 30 SIV genome copy equivalents/ml plasma. We also produced over 3,300 vials of high-titer SIVmac239 stock and 10 custom SIV mutants for WNPRC investigators. Also in 2007, the Immunology Services Unit (IS) defined 3 new SIVmac239 epitopes. Two of the new epitopes are restricted by the MHC class I allele Mamu-B*08. One of the epitopes restricted by MHC class I allele Mamu-B*17 proved to be a cryptic epitope. We developed for the first time tetramers for SIVmac239 infected Mauritian Cynomolgus Macaques. As a total in 2007 the IS tetramer core produced enough reagents to support close to 13,000 tests. For extramural investigators 228 blood samples were processed and 665 sample vials were shipped out. IS also provides expert support to Primate Center and extramural investigators wishing to use our flow cytometry facilities. More than 2,000 hours were used for flow data acqusition and cell sorting during this year. Since one of the FACSCalibur machines is deteriorating we have identified funds to replace it with a new one. 2. ALLOCATION OF RESOURCE ACCESSThe central mission of VS is to provide expert support to AIDS research conducted at the Primate Center by WNPRC or outside investigators. Our services are available to any investigators using Primate Center animals for their research. Currently our clients are mainly AIDS researchers based at UW. In 2007 VS began charging extramural investigators for its services. We added 1 extramural client, and plan to add more in 2008.In fiscal 2007 IS served 11 on-campus and 21 off-campus laboratories supported by both federal and non-federally funded grants.3. DISSEMINATIONWe request that projects utilizing Virology and Immunology Services acknowledge the service in manuscripts and presentations. Drs. Friedrich and Rakasz, the PIs of VS and IS units, consult closely with users of the service, helping to design experiments and interpret results.4. TRAININGDr. Friedrich consults regularly with recognized leaders in SIV virology and molecular biology to develop and refine our techniques. For example, custom SIV mutagenesis methods were developed in collaboration with Dr. Ronald Desrosiers at the New England Primate Center. Quantitative RT-PCR techniques were developed in consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Lifson at the National Cancer Institute. Similarly, Dr. Rakasz has developed IS protocols and technologies in collaboration with Dr. Louis Picker at the Oregon Primate Center. IS staff have been trained in flow cytometry techniques at Beckton Dickinson.
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