# Primate Studies

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE · 2020 · $1,342,936

## Abstract

Abstract – Core C (Primate Studies)
This HIVRAD proposal is based on our data that the dimeric IgA1 (dIgA1) form of a neutralizing monoclonal
antibody (nmAb) given intrarectally (i.r.) protected most rhesus macaques (RMs) against i.r. clade C simian-
human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV-C) challenge; dIgA2 yielded minimal protection, although both dIgA2 and
dIgA1 neutralized SHIV-C equally well in vitro. In a 2nd study, intravenous (i.v.) administration of the nmAb as
IgG1 and i.r. as dIgA2 gave 100% protection, whereas the same nmAbs given alone gave no or low protection.
A better understanding of this synergy is the aim of Project 1. Project 2 will test systemically administered
monoclonal IgGs – both neutralizing and non-neutralizing and inducible by current immunogens – and/or
mucosally delivered dIgAs for efficacy against SHIV-C alone or in combination. Project 3 will test a novel lymph
node (LN)-targeting technology to induce immune responses at the mucosal level, the portal of virus entry.
 The overall objective of Core C is to provide experimental RMs and support services (animal care,
veterinary care, and surgical procedures) to achieve the goals of all three Projects. Core C will identify suitable
RMs from the specific pathogen-free (SPF) colonies at the Southwest National Primate Research Center
(SNPRC) and will perform MHC class I (Mamu A*01, B*08, B*17) genotyping to provide suitable RMs. Core C
will perform i.r. titrations of a new tier 2 SHIV-C stock (SHIV-1157ipd3N4) to determine the dose to challenge
RMs by single high-dose exposure (Project 2) and by repeated low-dose exposures (Project 3). Core C will
carry out passive administration of mAbs by the appropriate route to RMs for Project 1 and 2; vaccinate (prime
and boost) the RMs with novel LN-targeting immunogens for Project 3 and also perform the following tasks:
Project 1: exposure of fluorescently labeled virus to mucosa and collection of the biopsies and/or mucosal
 fluids for ex vivo analysis;
Project 2: single high-dose i.r. SHIV-C challenge, followed by periodic collection of required specimens
 (blood and/or mucosal specimens) for assessment of plasma viremia and antibody levels;
Project 3: periodic collection of specimens (blood and/or mucosal specimens) for assessment of vaccine
 immunogenicity, i.r. repeated low-dose virus challenges, and periodic collection of post-challenge
 specimens (blood and/or mucosal specimens) for assessment of vaccine efficacy;
Core D: coordinate and manage the transport of RMs between SNPRC and the Research Imaging Institute
 (Core D). Using radiolabeled mAbs and virus, Core D will perform PET scans to follow virus-
 antibody interactions (Project 1); trafficking of radiolabeled immunogens to mucosal LNs will be
 investigated for Project 3.
RM specimens will be provided to Projects and/or Core B for analysis. Core C will also perform necropsies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10008960
- **Project number:** 5P01AI048240-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Samir Kishor Lakhashe
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,342,936
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2000-09-30 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10008960

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10008960, Primate Studies (5P01AI048240-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10008960. Licensed CC0.

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