The similarity of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in genomic organization, genetic sequence and biological properties suggests that SIV systems are highly suitable for study of the mechanisms and determinants of HIV-induced disease. The research described in this application examines molecular determinants of SIV persistence and AIDS pathogenesis. These studies utilize molecularly cloned SIV of defined sequence that has been shown to cause AIDS in rhesus monkeys. Specifically, cloned SIVs with alterations in the nef gene and in the NRE (negative regulatory element) will be tested for their properties in cultured cells and in rhesus monkeys. The role of the nef gene and the NRE in viral persistence, pathogenic potential, cell specificity and disease course will be analyzed. A requirement of nef or NRE for viral persistence and/or pathogenic potential will have important implications for therapy and vacine research. If nef is required for the pathogenic potential of the virus, the nef gene product will become an important target for drug development.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI025328-08
Application #
2062960
Study Section
AIDS and Related Research Study Section 3 (ARRC)
Project Start
1987-09-01
Project End
1996-03-31
Budget Start
1994-12-01
Budget End
1996-03-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
082359691
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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Stansell, Elizabeth; Desrosiers, Ronald C (2010) Fundamental difference in the content of high-mannose carbohydrate in the HIV-1 and HIV-2 lineages. J Virol 84:8998-9009
Yuste, Eloisa; Bixby, Jacqueline; Lifson, Jeffrey et al. (2008) Glycosylation of gp41 of simian immunodeficiency virus shields epitopes that can be targets for neutralizing antibodies. J Virol 82:12472-86

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