IMMUNOGENICITY OF HSV AMPLICONS IN RHESUS MACAQUES

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The best strategy for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection involves the development of an effective vaccine. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicons represent a novel and promising strategy for vaccine development. The studies described in this proposal will determine if HSV amplicons can elicit a significant immune response in the rhesus macaque. Specifically, rhesus macaques will be inoculated via an intramuscular route with HSV amplicons that express a replication-defective SIvmax239 genome or by control amplicons that do not express any SIV gene products. The cellular immune response to SIV proteins will be followed through analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, tetramer staining, and antigen-specific cytokine production. The humoral response will be determined by analysis of both serum and mucosal immunity. Finally, the innate immune response will be determined through analysis of both natural killer cells and by performing longitudinal studies of changes in lymphocyte proliferation and activation.