The goal of these studies is to use an unusual SIVmac239 variant (EvT3) to determine how useage of the CXCR4 co-receptor impacts on the rate of CD4+ T-cell decline in SIV-infected macaques. The first specific aim is to identify what co-receptors are used by EvT3 in vitro. The second is to determine the significance of co-receptor useage for the infection of CD4+ T-cell subsets by SIV. In the third specific aim, the genetic determinants in the gp120 glycoprotein that influence CXCR4 useage in vitro and CD4 depletion efficiency in vivo will be investigated.
Specific aim 4 is to determine the significance of CD4+ T-cell activation for co-receptor expression and pathogenic effects.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01AI042508-04
Application #
6399607
Study Section
AIDS and Related Research Study Section 3 (ARRC)
Program Officer
Plaeger, Susan F
Project Start
1998-05-01
Project End
2003-04-30
Budget Start
2000-07-01
Budget End
2001-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$264,623
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Margolin, David H; Saunders, Erika F Helmuth; Bronfin, Benjamin et al. (2002) High frequency of virus-specific B lymphocytes in germinal centers of simian-human immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus monkeys. J Virol 76:3965-73