The long term goal and objective of this research is to use RNA mediated gene delivery as a novel approach to raise rev-independent, anti-HIV-1 gp160 responses. Immunization of gp160 via RNA mediated delivery avoids the complication of rev-dependence, alternate splicing and additional problems associated with genomic integration and long-lived expression, all of which occur in DNA immunization. While some low titer anti-HIV-1 rev responses have been observed in initial experiments with direct intramuscular inoculation of gp160 transcripts, additional work is required to optimize an RNA immunization protocol to improve the titer of the response. In addition, an RNA prime and recombinant subunit boost is proposed to determine the extent and functional character of the immune response. The investigators propose to assess both humoral and cytotoxic T cell responses generated from RNA immunization with full length gp160 transcripts from both the T cell tropic HXB2 isolate and the primary lymphocyte and macrophage tropic isolate ADA.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21AI045371-01
Application #
2873793
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-VACC (01))
Program Officer
Bende, Steve M
Project Start
1999-09-30
Project End
2000-09-29
Budget Start
1999-09-30
Budget End
2000-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Biological Mimetics, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
944050277
City
Frederick
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21702