Immune Correlates of Protection against HIV and SIV Infection

A major hurdle in HIV vaccine development is the lack of knowledge about the immune components needed to protect against HIV infection.  Researchers have developed a live, attenuated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) vaccine that can completely protect rhesus macaques from SIV; however, how this vaccine protects these animals is not well-understood. 

Our goal is to identify the specific immune responses that protect rhesus macaques from SIV infection and to relate these findings to studies of HIV-susceptibility in humans.  

To achieve this goal, we are creating a comprehensive data matrix profile comparing immunologic, virologic, and genetic parameters with SIV protection in the largest study of rhesus macaques to date.  These findings will be validated by evaluating the factors contributing to HIV infection susceptibility in human serodiscordant couples.  By integrating these two experimental approaches, we strive to discover patterns of protection that are common to both SIV and HIV– key knowledge that we will use to accelerate HIV vaccine development.

Other Project Information:

McElrath contact for the Immune Correlates Project