The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by HIV-1 is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Development of an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS is the long term solution to this problem. The failure of Merck's adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) based HIV-1 clade B vaccine in humans that is designed to elicit primarily antiviral T cells strongly suggests the need to develop novel vaccine approaches that generate high levels of anti-viral T cells with improved function as well as protective Ab. The goal of this HIVRAD is to generate high levels of broadly cross-reactive antiviral T cells with enhanced proliferative/protective phenotype and high avidity antiviral binding Ab by targeting CD40 and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathways. The overall goal of this administrative core is to provide coordination between projects 1 and 2, and core B, and help with data management and data analyses. This Administrative Core has the following six specific aims: (1) Provide overall coordination for the Program. (2) Provide data management and statistical support. (3) Provide logistical support for intellectual property filings and negotiations. (4) Assist with publications. (5) Maintain budgets and fiscal oversight. (6) Provide vaccines and peptides
WHO estimates that there are currently 32 million humans living with HIV/AIDS. Drugs and improved treatment regimens have successfully prolonged the lives of infected individuals in first world countries. However, these are not affordable for the vast majority of HIV-infected individuals. Even in developed nations these are limited by toxicity, affordability, the need for rigorous adherence to therapy and the emergence of drug resistant viruses. Thus, there is a great need to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine that provides a low-cost, lowtoxicity solution to long-term control of viral replication - the main goal of this PPG.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 13 publications
