HIV/AIDS Specimen Repository

Overview

The Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (DAIDS) supports a number of programs, networks, and studies to increase basic knowledge of the pathogenesis and transmission of HIV, promote the development of therapies for HIV infection and its complications and co-infections, and encourage the development of vaccines and other prevention strategies. They include

• NIAID HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks
• NIAID Epidemiological/Long-Term Cohort Studies

Over the years, these networks, programs, and studies have amassed a wealth of longitudinal data that provides detailed information on the natural history and clinical and laboratory course of HIV disease in various populations. In addition, biological specimens from well-characterized individuals and/or cohorts have been collected and stored in centralized and local repositories. Together with the huge databases to which they are linked, these specimens provide the scientific community with an invaluable research resource for multidisciplinary investigation. The specific fluids and tissues collected vary within specific programs and may include

• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Serum
• Plasma
• Semen
• Saliva
• Vaginal washings
• Urine
• Placenta
• Autopsy samples

Information Regarding Access to Specimens

MACS/WIHS

• In order to assess specimens collected from the MACS and WIHS studies, investigators must email a completed Collaboration Concept Sheet (in MS Word) to Joana Roe at DAIDS for MACS specimens and to WDMAC for WIHS specimens. If you’re proposing a joint collaboration with both MACS and WIHS, the Concept Sheet must be sent to both contacts.
• Collaboration Concept Sheet and Publication Policy

Women and Infants Transmission Study (WITS)

• The WITS specimens are no longer available. Data from the study are still publicly available through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS)/WITS so individuals may retrieve datasets for their analyses.
• From 1990 to 2007, WITS followed over 2,000 HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants, children, and adolescents living in the United States. The study initially explored the natural history of HIV-1 infection, but with the advent of potent HIV therapy was expanded to include the safety and efficacy of antiretroviral therapy.
• If you have questions about WITS, contact niaidwitsaccess@niaid.nih.gov.

HIV/AIDS Clinical Networks

• In order to access specimens collected through network studies, investigators must first solicit the interest of network investigators via collaboration. For assistance in identifying potential network collaborators, please contact Daniella Livnat.
• Guidance for accessing network samples

VAX004 Clinical Trial Specimens

Additional Resources

• Storage and inventory management of HIV/AIDS specimens

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