Quantitative Immunological Assays to Assess HIV Antibodies and Vaccines

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

We are a Core lab providing HIV antibody assay services to labs within the Vaccine Research Center, other intramural labs, and for collaborators around the world. Most of our work uses a standardized HIV-1 neutralization assay. We perform this assay on serum samples from vaccinated animals and HIV-infected individuals, on antibodies isolated from such subjects, and on variant antibodies engineered for improved breadth, potency, and manufacturability. We also develop and maintain the reagents needed for these assays, including natural and mutant virus genes, stocks of viruses, and stocks of reference antibodies. We recently have increased the throughput of our assay by integrating robotic liquid handling into our protocols. In addition, we provide analysis and graphics to allow interpretation of our data, as well as related data from the VRC VIP lab; these are being used for selection of candidate clinical products at the VRC and by collaborators. We also provide data to collaborators at a pharma company to inform their decisions on developing products for clinical trials.