The Immunology Core (Core E) provides immunologic assays, reagents and expertise to support innovative aasic, clinical and translational HIV/AIDS research by Penn CFAR members, with the overall goal of improving our understanding of the pathogenesis and immunopathogenesis of HIV infection and AIDS; introducing new approaches for investigating immune function;developing novel immunotherapy or gene therapy strategies for viral control or immune reconstitution;and basic discovery and translational development of vaccine strategies. To support this mission, the Immunology Core offers a wide range of services to benefit all CFAR members performing HIV related immunoldgical research: (1) """"""""Self-service"""""""" support including validated reagents and materials that are widely used among the member labs, including purified primary human blood cell subsets and Qdot labeled antibodies for polychromatic flow cytometry;(2) """"""""Full service"""""""" support that performs standard immunological assays using AACTG and PACTG approved protocols on samples provided by CFAR members;flow cytometric-based assays including phenotyping and intracellular cytokine measurements;and a BSL3 sorting facility enabling """"""""live"""""""" sorts of infectious material, and;(3) Training, education and support in the use of reagents, assays, or techniques, as well as consultation and collaboration for immunology-based projects. In the coming cycle, we will provide the CFAR community with access and expertise to use an exciting new human immune system mouse with which to study HIV-1 pathogenesis and vaccines in an in vivo model.
HIV-1 is a virus that attacks the immune system. Having access to key immunological reagents, assays and expertise will allow Penn CFAR investigators to make more rapid progress in understanding the underlying cause of HIV-1 pathogenesis and to evaluate new therapies or vaccines to fight or prevent HIV-1 infection.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 775 publications
