This Independent Scientist Award application requests support for a newly independent scientist who has demonstrated a commitment to a career in biomedical research since 1992, particularly in the area of immunopathogenesis of lentiviral mucosal transmission. A successful R01 application followed by acceptance of a tenure track position has the candidate poised to continue her immunopathogenesis studies, initiate new programs to further develop intervention strategies using the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection animal model, and build collaborative relationships. The objective of this application is to provide salary support, over five years, to reduce the clinical component of the candidate's current tenure-track appointment, thus allowing a period of intensive research focus to foster her scientific development, and expanding her potential to make significant research contributions. The candidate is in a highly supportive environment with excellent mentors, numerous opportunities for intellectual development, and several central equipment laboratories. The candidate's research focus concerns the role of cell-associated virus in mucosal transmission, tissue tropism, early immune induction, and intervention and/or protective strategies. The core research project (a five-year R01 funded 7/2/99) consists of three specific aims.
Specific Aim 1 will use fluorescent labeled, FIV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to identify the cells responsible for transvaginal FIV infection. The relative efficiency of vaginal transmission by lymphocytes and macrophages will be determined by vaginal inoculation of serially diluted FACS sorted cell populations.
Specific Aim 2 will determine whether the early pathogenesis of cell-associated vaginal transmission is altered by unique targets (e.g. vaginal epithelium) or immunologic selection.
Specific Aim 3 tests the ability of a lymphoid targeting vector (Venezuelan equine encephalitis replicon particles) to induce FIV-specific vaginal immunity. FIV expressing replicon particles will be used to identify the optimal route of immunization to induce strong cell-mediated immunity in the vaginal mucosa. Vaginal challenge with cell-associated FIV will test the correlates of protection.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research (K02)
Project #
5K02AI050432-02
Application #
6511645
Study Section
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Research Review Committee (AIDS)
Program Officer
Miller, Roger H
Project Start
2001-07-01
Project End
2006-06-30
Budget Start
2002-07-01
Budget End
2003-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$93,458
Indirect Cost
Name
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27695
Howard, Kristina E; Burkhard, Mary Jo (2007) Mucosal challenge with cell-associated or cell-free feline immunodeficiency virus induces rapid and distinctly different patterns of phenotypic change in the mucosal and systemic immune systems. Immunology 122:571-83
Assogba, Barnabe Dossou; Leavell, Sarah; Porter, Kyle et al. (2007) Mucosal administration of low-dose cell-associated feline immunodeficiency virus promotes viral latency. J Infect Dis 195:1184-8
Howard, Kristina E; Burkhard, Mary Jo (2007) FIV infection induces unique changes in phenotype and cellularity in the medial iliac lymph node and intestinal IEL. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 23:720-8
Leavell, Sarah; Wright, Brittany; Scappino, Lori et al. (2005) Induction of serum and mucosal FIV-specific immune responses by intranasal immunization with p24Gag. Vaccine 23:1471-8
Howard, Kristina E; Fisher, Ingrid L; Dean, Gregg A et al. (2005) Methodology for isolation and phenotypic characterization of feline small intestinal leukocytes. J Immunol Methods 302:36-53
Sirriyah, Jamal; Dean, Gregg A; LaVoy, Alora et al. (2004) Assessment of CD4+ and CD8+ IFN-gamma producing cells by ELISPOT in naive and FIV-infected cats. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 102:77-84
Burkhard, Mary Jo; Dean, Gregg A (2003) Transmission and immunopathogenesis of FIV in cats as a model for HIV. Curr HIV Res 1:15-29