Core J: Virology and Molecular Biomarkers

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Virology and Molecular Biomarkers (VMB) Core (Core J) provides state-of-the-art resources to catalyze basic, translational, clinical, and behavioral HIV/SIV research in support of Emory CFAR’s mission. The Core comprises three highly collaborative units with complementary resources and expertise. The Translational Virology Unit (TVU), develops and implements viral quantitative assays supporting primarily nonhuman primate (NHP) models of AIDS pathogenesis, prevention, therapy, and cure research. The CLIA/CAP-certified Clinical Virology Unit (CVU), provides virologic and molecular diagnostic assays for clinical, translational, and behavioral studies of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections (STI), co-infections, and related syndromes. The Viral Reservoirs Unit (VRU) develops and implements assays that quantify the viral reservoir on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to support cure research. The VMB Core provides innovative, standardized, high throughput viral quantitative assays, nimbly adapts to the needs of HIV/SIV researchers in an ever-evolving field, and serves as a resource for training early-stage investigators in molecular virologic assays. The Core effectively responds to the needs of an evolving field through the development, validation, and provision of: 1) standardized plasma viral load assays for HIV, SIV, and SHIV; 2) cell-associated DNA and RNA assays for SIV and HIV; 3) molecular diagnostic assays for HIV-associated co-infections (HBV, HCV, CMV) and STIs; 4) HIV/SIV quantitative assays in non-standard specimens; and 5) molecular assays to measure the viral reservoir under ART. The Core expanded its services with the addition of the VRU to support HIV cure research, including the establishment, maintenance, and eradication of the persistent reservoir of latently infected cells under ART. In the next project period, the VMB Core will further the range and overall performance of provided assays and services and leverage the Illumina MiSeq deep sequencing platform to characterize virus integration sites, viral evolution in response to new therapies, and the relationship of the genital/gut microbiomes with HIV transmission/pathogenesis. The Core will continue training activities in molecular virological techniques and gene assays, providing expert consultation, and expanding opportunities for stakeholder engagement through these specific aims: Aim 1. Expand the capacity of the Translational Virology Unit to provide a greater range of assays to support studies of pathogenesis, prevention, and therapy of SIV/SHIV in NHPs. Aim 2. Provide established and novel assays required for HIV human subjects research and clinical trials through customized clinical testing in the CLIA-certified Clinical Virology Unit. Aim 3. Support the growth in cure studies in NHPs through established and novel assays measuring the virus reservoir in ART-suppressed, SIV/SHIV-infected NHP in the Viral Reservoirs Unit.