There is a global urgency to develop a protective AIDS vaccine. Neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) can provide effective prophylaxis against HIV-1 infections. Although eliciting Nabs that are broadly cross-reactive has long been a major scientific challenge, we have recently generated a mini-protein containing the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of gp41 that can elicit Nabs with significant breadth. The primary objective of this proposal is to develop novel vaccine delivery platforms that can enhance B cell immune responses. The underlying hypothesis behind this proposal is that a polymeric antigen containing many copies of the same target epitope in a repetitive, well-defined lattice (multivalent) can elicit a superior B cell immune response than a monomeric antigen (monovalent) because of its potential to (1) induce both T cell-independent (Tl) and -dependent (TD) B cell immunity;(2) enhance B cell activation and maturation;and (3) activate a greater diversity of B cell subsets. To test this hypothesis, we will develop novel vaccine delivery platforms based on nanostructures designed to present multivalent forms of immunogens and costimulatory molecules to B cells and to facilitate targeted delivery of antigens to dendritic cells and macrophages. Successful completion of the proposed studies would represent a major advancement towards developing a protective AIDS vaccine. The proposed research Program consists of two Projects and two Cores: The role of Project 1 is to develop vaccine delivery platforms. The role of Project 2 is to evaluate B cell immune responses against gp41- MPER in great detail. The Administrative Core is responsible for providing the organizational management and maintaining infrastructure to support the fiscal monitoring. The Protein Production Core is responsible for producing and providing high quality antigens and costimulatory molecules to Projects 1 and 2. This is a highly collaborative program project of seven key investigators from five institutions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Program--Cooperative Agreements (U19)
Project #
5U19AI091031-03
Application #
8310163
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAI1-PTM-A (M4))
Program Officer
Shapiro, Stuart Z
Project Start
2010-08-01
Project End
2015-07-31
Budget Start
2012-08-01
Budget End
2013-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$1,245,610
Indirect Cost
$249,169
Name
Iowa State University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
005309844
City
Ames
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
50011
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Narasimhan, Balaji; Goodman, Jonathan T; Vela Ramirez, Julia E (2016) Rational Design of Targeted Next-Generation Carriers for Drug and Vaccine Delivery. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 18:25-49
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Vela Ramirez, J E; Roychoudhury, R; Habte, H H et al. (2014) Carbohydrate-functionalized nanovaccines preserve HIV-1 antigen stability and activate antigen presenting cells. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 25:1387-406
Carrillo-Conde, Brenda R; Roychoudhury, Rajarshi; Chavez-Santoscoy, Ana V et al. (2012) High-throughput synthesis of carbohydrates and functionalization of polyanhydride nanoparticles. J Vis Exp :