LA JOLLA, CA The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a grant expected to total more than $77 million from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The new seven-year project will focus on developing a vaccine against HIV and the disease it causes, AIDS.
"With 33 million infected individuals worldwide, an HIV vaccine is urgently needed to slow and eventually eliminate new infections," said Scripps Research President and CEO Michael A. Marletta, PhD. "I am excited that the institute's proven track record in fundamental discoveries applicable to vaccine development will be brought to bear on this most important and compelling problem."
"Although AIDS drugs have extended the lives of many, an effective HIV vaccine could truly eliminate the threat of HIV in both developing and developed countries," said Scripps Research Professor Dennis Burton, PhD, a prominent HIV expert who will lead the new center. "We look forward to making significant progress toward this goal in the coming years."
The Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology & Immunogen Discovery (CHAVI-ID) will conduct multidisciplinary research into immune responses that prevent infection or control the virus in infected individuals. The team will also generate vaccine components to induce such immune responses and provide broad protection against HIV infection.
The CHAVI-ID award to Scripps Research was one of two in the nation. The other went to Duke University in Durham, NC.
A Scientific Challenge
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) by binding to, entering, and ultimately leading to the death of T helper cells, which are immune cells that are necessary to fight off infections by common bacteria and other pathogens. As HIV depletes the body of T helper cells, the immune system fails and common pathogens can become potentially le
'/>"/>
| Contact: Mika Ono mikaono@scripps.edu Scripps Research Institute Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Scripps Research discoveries lead to newly approved drug for infant respiratory distress syndrome
2. Scripps Research Institute scientists find promising vaccine targets on hepatitis C virus
3. Scripps Research Institute Professor Gerald F. Joyce elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
4. Scripps Research Institute scientists develop antidote for cocaine overdose
5. Scientist wins $3 million renewal of one of longest-running NIH grants to Scripps Research
6. Scripps research scientists find anticonvulsant drug helps marijuana smokers kick the habit
7. Scripps Florida scientist awarded $1.5 million to design therapeutics with new RNA approach
8. Scripps Florida scientists identify neurotranmitters that lead to forgetting
9. Plastic trash altering ocean habitats, Scripps study shows
10. Scripps Florida scientists awarded $8.4 million grant to develop new anti-smoking treatments
11. Esther B. OKeeffe Foundation gives $2 million to the Scripps Research Institute
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |