Vaccine Research Center (VRC)

Kathryn Foulds, Ph.D.

Nonhuman Primate Immunogenicity Core Section

Immunological evaluations in nonhuman primate (NHP) models are essential for the advancement of vaccine research. In particular, vaccination and SIV challenge of macaque species is the best animal model for evaluating candidate HIV vaccines in pre-clinical studies. As a result, the Nonhuman Primate Immunogenicity Core (NIC) was established to support the research efforts of investigators at the VRC.

All studies that are conducted through the NIC are processed in a standardized manner using the same standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tissue preparation and T cell assays. For example, the NIC uses a qualified 8-color ICS panel and assay for the measurement of IFNg, IL-2, and TNF from CD4 and CD8 T cells. An 11-color variant that allows for the measurement of memory markers in addition to cytokines is also available. For ELISpot, the SOP that was developed and qualified for the NHP Core of the Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery is used.

The NIC manages basic, translational, and preclinical NHP studies. Basic research interests include lymphocyte trafficking, the generation and maintenance of memory responses in systemic and mucosal sites, and pathogenesis following simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. Translational research studies are performed to optimize a variety of different platforms and vectors by studying the effects of different adjuvants, schedules, and delivery methods on immunogenicity. Finally, the data from preclinical testing of vaccines in NHP models is used to support moving clinical products forward to human testing and can be critical to regulatory filings.
The responsibilities of the NIC include the following:

• Consulting on the design and implementation of NHP studies
• Coordinating all studies and sample collections with the VRC Laboratory of Animal Medicine
• Writing and defending animal study protocols before the institute’s animal care and use committee
• Developing, optimizing, and validating SOPs for tissue preparation and immunogenicity assays
• Maintaining a bank of naïve, vaccinated, and SIV+ tissue samples for use by VRC investigators
• Implementing all testing according to good laboratory practice guidelines
• Collating, analyzing, and coordinating data
• Preparing oral and written presentations of studies for both internal and external use

To perform these operations, the NIC uses state-of-the-art technologies available at the VRC including 18-color FACS analyzers, 18-color sorters (one in BSL-3 containment), reagent manufacturing capabilities, and the Fluidigm real-time PCR system for single-cell gene expression.