The central objective of this project is to understand the role of Vpr in HIV-1 immunopathogenesis and disease progression. The Applicant proposes to evaluate the mechanisms of Vpr-mediated regulation of CD4+ T cell and macrophage responses, and to assess the possibility that Vpr modulates the in vivo immune response to viral infection. Specifically, the research team will: (1) investigate the direct effects of Vpr on antigen presenting cells and T cells in vitro; (2) determine the extent to which Vpr mediates immune dysregulation using an in vitro immunization model; (3) identify the domains of Vpr involved in mediating these immune functions using Vpr mutants. The proposed studies will lead to an understanding of how Vpr modulates basic cellular events in these important immune cell types and how it may regulate immune functions in vitro and in vivo.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01AI050463-02S1
Application #
6791675
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Sharma, Opendra K
Project Start
2002-04-01
Project End
2006-03-31
Budget Start
2003-04-01
Budget End
2004-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$48,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
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