Sample Collection Protocols

Niaid Extramural Activities

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

This project consists of two protocols to collect human blood samples for research studies and to validate research assays used in evaluation of clinical trials immunogenicity results. VRC PAN allows collection of oral swabs, urine samples and blood samples through normal phlebotomy, while VRC 200 allows collection of plasma and blood cell samples by apheresis. The VRC is using the samples for several types of research, including to study specific immune responses to HIV infection in order to characterize protective responses that can prevent new infection in uninfected individuals, as well as define those responses that lead to successful control of viral replication in persons already infected with HIV. Because of the lack of an adequate animal model it is necessary to use human peripheral blood cells. We wish to define the specific human immune responses to HIV infection using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a model. These sample collection protocols also support VRC research on other pathogens and vaccines.