The applicants propose to test the hypothesis that a fusion protein made between a fragment of gp160 and the L1 capsid protein of human papilloma virus (HPV) will form a chimeric viral like particle (CVLP) that will be useful as a new delivery system for mucosal immunization against HIV-1. This hypothesis will be tested by fusing a segment of gp160 that harbors HLA-0201 restricted epitopes with L1 to produce a HIVgp160CVLP. This chimera will be used as the principal immunogen in HLA-0201 transgenic mice to induce mucosal and systemic CTL responses specific for these epitopes. There are 3 specific aims: 1) to determine whether immunization with HIVgp160CVLP will induce HIV-specific mucosal and systemic responses via the subcutaneous, intranasal, or intrarectal routes; 2) to determine whether CVLP that contains enriched HLA-A0201 epitopes can induce CTL responses to these epitopes; and 3) and to determine the ability of adjuvants (Cholera toxin (CT) and IL-12) to enhance a mucosal response.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03AI043214-02
Application #
2887750
Study Section
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Research Review Committee (AIDS)
Program Officer
Bradac, James A
Project Start
1998-04-01
Project End
2001-03-31
Budget Start
1999-04-01
Budget End
2000-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Loyola University Chicago
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
791277940
City
Maywood
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60153