PROJECT SUMMARY Core B Virology will serve as a centralized research resources to facilitate the research objectives of this P01 program. The functions of Core B include (1) collect and develop a library of HCV research reagents and maintain their supply for the program; (2) perform standardized assays for quality-control of HCV antigens, measurement of antibody titers and virus neutralizing activities, to ensure consistent and reproducibility of experimental results; (3) processing animal samples for downstream experiments; (4) develop and document standardized research reagents and assays to accelerate HCV vaccine development. Core B Virology will improve cost efficiency, data quality and synergy of the research projects and cores of the P01 program.