The role of macrophage nuclear receptors in tuberculosis.

The goal is to Develop treatments for Zika infection during pregnancy using a marmoset model.

HIV is a major worldwide challenge that remains to be solved, and there is a continuous need to identify improved preventative and therapeutic interventions. This annual symposium provides an environment that promotes the exchange of ideas and perspectives, and fosters new collaborations, especially between junior and senior members of the research community.

The major goal is to assess the ability of Mtb-specific CD4 T cells from ART versus ART + IPT animals to active antimicrobial functions of Mtb-infected macrophages. Role: PI

Proposal:19-051 The major goal of this proposal is to vaccinate neonatal macaques with recombinant, TLR-2 stimulating, BCG vaccine, which can induce central memory T cells, and thereby generate long-term immunity against tuberculosis. We will, therefore: 1) Evaluate TH1 immune responses induced by wild type and recombinant BCG vaccine in neonatal macaques; 2) evaluate efficacy of wild type and recombinant BCG vaccines against tuberculosis in neonatal macaques; and, 3) evaluate long-term efficacy of wild type and recombinant BCG vaccines using in neonatal macaques. Role:Co-PI

The major goal of this project is to perform screening EBOV ELISA assay for 30 cynomolgus samples from Covance for UTMB.

The major goal is to develop a delta-sigH -based human TB vaccine candidate that could eventually advance to clinical development. Role: PI

We propose to repurpose an FDA-aproved drug for enhancing cellular function and improving general health. Our specific hypothesis is that Temsirolimus will reverse age-associated decline seen in general activity, sleep, mental activity, and movement in aged baboons. In this pilot study, we will evaluate the effect of 2 doses of Temsirolimus over a 10 months period on the health status of mitochondria, daytime activity, sleep, and motor and mental functions in aged baboons.

19-003 We propose a study to investigate the risk of TB reactivation in BCG vaccinated marmosets that are treated with Secukinumab. Role: PI

The research proposed here aims to optimize the delivery and functionality of a novel, biological therapy that bypasses the broad immunosuppressive mechanisms of current drugs in primary T cells, thereby addressing a major potential hurdle for this therapy.