This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Interleukin-18 (IL-18, interferon-gamma inducing factor [IGIF]) represents a functional link between effector cells of the innate (phagocytic and NK cells) and adaptive (T- and B-lymphocytes) immune systems. Expression of IL-18 by a live-attenuated SIV vaccine may reduce viral virulence and induce a Type-1 immune response that may prevent infection with pathogenic SIV. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effects of the infection of rhesus macaques with a recombinant SIV?nef that expresses the rhesus IL18 gene and its potential use as a live-attenuated vaccine (SIVIL18).
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