# Core B_Silvestri

> **NIH NIH P01** · SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE · 2022 · $1,060,779

## Abstract

Nonhuman primates (NHP) specifically, rhesus macaques (RMs), are a key animal model in investigating
prevention strategies of HIV infection. This animal model of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/ simian-human
immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection has been utilized to elucidate both basic concepts in immunization and
evaluate clinically relevant prevention approaches. RMs are ideal for investigating the humoral and cellular
responses generated by HIV candidate immunizations and the impact on acquisition of infection. NHP studies
require extensive coordination, expertise, personnel, and infrastructure. Therefore, the NHP Core (Core B) will
support this HIVRAD research team by executing the four preclinical RM immunization studies proposed in
Project 1. The animals will receive a variety of novel candidate immunogens and vaccine strategies. Their
immune responses will be monitored throughout the study via collection of blood and tissues. Dependent upon
those results, potentially, a select few animals will undergo viral challenge with SHIV to test the efficacy of the
immunizations. Core B will support the success of this research program by 1) ensuring the adherence to
regulatory approvals and procedures necessary for NHP research; 2) coordination of animal selection,
assignment, substance administration and sample collection; 3) proper storage and shipment of all samples to
the collaborating PIs and Cores; 4) coordination of data collection, analysis, and distribution; 5) and ensuring the
monitoring of animal health over the course of the studies. This NHP core will work closely with the collaborators
for the vaccine and challenge studies and will participate actively in the scientific mission of this HIVRAD. Further,
it will ensure that all NHP research is integrated with the goals of this proposal and the evolving needs of the
studies. Core B is led by Dr. Guido Silvestri, who has >20 years of experience leading NHP research projects
involving complex study design and intervention, specifically, he has executed a large number of collaborative
pre-clinical vaccine trials. During this research he was essential in investigating and developing novel sample
collection techniques, such as lymph node fine needle aspirates, for the continued monitoring of germinal center
responses during longitudinal studies. Core B will be based at Yerkes National Primate Research Center
(YNPRC) at Emory University, this NIH-funded primate research center possesses all the proper animal
resources and state-of-the-art veterinarian care expertise necessary to support the proposed work. As an integral
part of this research program, the NHP Core will provide critical support to achieve the shared objectives of
evaluating these proposed promising novel pre-clinical vaccines.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10339441
- **Project number:** 5P01AI157299-02
- **Recipient organization:** SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE
- **Principal Investigator:** Guido Silvestri
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $1,060,779
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-02-04 → 2026-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10339441

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10339441, Core B_Silvestri (5P01AI157299-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10339441. Licensed CC0.

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