Limited Competition: Specific Pathogen Free Macaque Colonies to Support HIV/AIDS Research (U42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

This grant is a Limited Competition, focusing on Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Macaque Colonies that assist HIV/AIDS Research. It does not support Clinical Trials (U42). This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to continue supporting SPF macaque colonies that were initially funded under PAR-21-089 and PAR-18-669, to contribute to HIV/AIDS research.

The funding is particularly critical for breeding colonies in sustaining an optimal stock of SPF macaques necessary for AIDS/HIV research. SPF macaques, also known as the Pedigree SPF macaques, are free of certain types of viruses. This letter is essential since the presence of these viruses could either distort the outcomes of HIV/AIDS studies or create a risk scenario for the staff who handle these animals.

The SPF macaques also undergo a detailed analysis of their genetic structure, with a particular focus on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I types. This scrutiny is because the MHC class 1 genotypes can substantially affect macaque immune responses to Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) that can trigger AIDS in nonhuman primates (NHPs). These genotypes also affect human immune responses to HIV. Therefore, the grant is substantially aiding the research for HIV/AIDS.