Nonhuman primates (NHP) specifically, rhesus macaques (RMs), are a key animal model in investigating prevention strategies of HIV infection. This animal model of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/ simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection has been utilized to elucidate both basic concepts in immunization and evaluate clinically relevant prevention approaches. RMs are ideal for investigating the humoral and cellular responses generated by HIV candidate immunizations and the impact on acquisition of infection. NHP studies require extensive coordination, expertise, personnel, and infrastructure. Therefore, the NHP Core (Core B) will support this HIVRAD research team by executing the four preclinical RM immunization studies proposed in Project 1. The animals will receive a variety of novel candidate immunogens and vaccine strategies. Their immune responses will be monitored throughout the study via collection of blood and tissues. Dependent upon those results, potentially, a select few animals will undergo viral challenge with SHIV to test the efficacy of the immunizations. Core B will support the success of this research program by 1) ensuring the adherence to regulatory approvals and procedures necessary for NHP research; 2) coordination of animal selection, assignment, substance administration and sample collection; 3) proper storage and shipment of all samples to the collaborating PIs and Cores; 4) coordination of data collection, analysis, and distribution; 5) and ensuring the monitoring of animal health over the course of the studies. This NHP core will work closely with the collaborators for the vaccine and challenge studies and will participate actively in the scientific mission of this HIVRAD. Further, it will ensure that all NHP research is integrated with the goals of this proposal and the evolving needs of the studies. Core B is led by Dr. Guido Silvestri, who has >20 years of experience leading NHP research projects involving complex study design and intervention, specifically, he has executed a large number of collaborative pre-clinical vaccine trials. During this research he was essential in investigating and developing novel sample collection techniques, such as lymph node fine needle aspirates, for the continued monitoring of germinal center responses during longitudinal studies. Core B will be based at Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC) at Emory University, this NIH-funded primate research center possesses all the proper animal resources and state-of-the-art veterinarian care expertise necessary to support the proposed work. As an integral part of this research program, the NHP Core will provide critical support to achieve the shared objectives of evaluating these proposed promising novel pre-clinical vaccines.
