HIV Vaccine Trials Network

As a part of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, the HVTN Laboratory Center provides laboratory-based vaccine evaluation to advance HIV vaccine development. Specifically, the HVTN laboratory performs validated immunologic, HIV diagnostic, and protocol support assays for endpoints of HVTN Phase I through Phase III trials. Depending on the predetermined trial endpoint, these assays either characterize the immunogenicity of the candidate HIV immunogens and vaccine regimens or produce the HIV diagnostics required to distinguish between vaccine-induced seropositivity and acquisition of HIV infection in vaccine trial participants. By performing validated assays, the HVTN is able to compare vaccine candidates between different trials to help advance vaccine design.

Another research interest of the Laboratory is to comprehensively define qualities of vaccine immunogenicity that may predict the immune responses required for protection against HIV infection or disease progression. To achieve this goal, our research focuses on:

• Identifying immune responses that correlate with vaccine-induced protection in clinical trials
• Exploring components of mucosal and innate immunity that potentially could affect vaccine efficacy

A leader in assay development, the Laboratory continues to improve and explore alternative methods, including systems biology approaches, multiparameter phenotyping and functional characterization of leukocyte subsets, host and viral genomics, as well as multiplex transcriptional, cytokine, and proteomic profiling.

The Laboratory is committed to maintaining the highest standards in assay performance. These standards are maintained by the implementation of a rigorous DAIDS-accredited Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Operations Program. This program supports the HVTN Site Affiliated Laboratories to maintain HVTN-quality standards, training, certification, and monitoring for specimen handling and processing.

By providing high-quality, state-of-the-art laboratory-based clinical research and immune monitoring, the HVTN laboratory supports the HVTN’s mission to facilitate the process of testing preventive vaccines against HIV/AIDS.