Molecular Therapeutics for HIVAIDS

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

We are using molecular biology, microbiology and protein engineering to develop a new type of preventative for HIV infection. Our approach uses live microbes that secrete anti-HIV peptides onto the mucosal surfaces where sexual transmission of HIV occurs. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this live microbicide approach by genetically engineering commensal strains of both rectal and vaginal bacteria to secrete high levels of HIV fusion inhibitor proteins both in vitro and in vivo. We have now tested the vaginal efficacy of a Lactopbacillus strain producing the HIV inhibitor Cyanovirin and showed that it protects against SHIV infection by greater than 60%. The primate system is also being used to analyze the interrelationships between vaginal microflora, the menstrual cycle, and the innate immune system. A new project involves the development of novel high definition real time video methods to monitoring HIV infection and growth in tissue explants. These will provide a novel assay system for the efficacy of microbicides