# Core B: Non-human Primate Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2024 · $500,699

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – Nonhuman Primate Core (Core B)
The end of the HIV/AIDS epidemic will be achievable only when an effective vaccine regimen can achieve long-
term protective immunity, similar to that of vaccines that have nearly eliminated other global pathogens. The
induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against the HIV envelope (Env) is considered vital for an
effective HIV vaccine. Yet, despite the delineation of the coevolution of Env-specific antibodies and their cognate
Env intermediates from the germline BCR to bnAbs, few HIV vaccine strategies have been successful in eliciting
HIV Env Abs with broad heterologous neutralization capacity. Our knowledge about critical factors influencing B
cell differentiation and lineage commitment remains limited.
The proposed research is built on a foundation of prior research observations on the development of bnAbs in ~
50-60% of infant and adult rhesus macaques and humans immunized with germline-targeting (gt) BG505 GT1.1
SOSIP with adjuvant, and the opportunities provided by the infant RM model to define the specific biological
factors that determine B cell lineage commitment by comparing vaccinees with or without bnAb development.
Systems biology approaches can be useful to define early immune and molecular gene signatures after the
vaccine prime immunization and the role of the intestinal microbiome in vaccine-induced bnAb development.
Applying systems biology approaches, the objective of the overall studies is to determine how the modulation
of the vaccine prime by different adjuvants and vaccine delivery platforms (Project 1) and changes in the infant
microbiome (Project 2) alter the developmental pathways that lead to the induction of bnAbs. We hypothesize
that the dynamic nature of the infant immune system and microbiome can be exploited to optimize the induction
of bnAbs by HIV vaccines. These questions will be addressed via studies in the infant macaque model.
The Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Core is an integral component of the overall HIVRAD Program and
provides direct support to the Projects by coordinating and implementing all the NHP experiments
(including regulatory approvals, and all procedures related to immunizations and sample collections). This
Core has a longstanding track-record of collaboration with the 2 Project Leads/Overall P.I’s, and will
communicate frequently with both Projects and other Cores to assure all the experimental needs are met with
due diligence. The NHP Core uses the unique resources and infrastructure of the California National Primate
Research Center (CNPRC), out of which it operates, and the expertise of the Core Lead and staff. The CNPRC
is built on a service-oriented and interdisciplinary mission of advancing non-human primate models of human
diseases and translational research. Resources at CNPRC include a large rhesus macaque breeding colony,
experience with time-mated pregnancies and rearing of infant macaques, and all other procedures of
monitoring and...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10852979
- **Project number:** 5P01AI178377-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Kristina De Paris
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $500,699
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-06-01 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10852979

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10852979, Core B: Non-human Primate Core (5P01AI178377-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10852979. Licensed CC0.

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