Keeping lab macaques virus-free to support better HIV science
Viral Testing
This program tests and keeps research macaques free of other viruses so HIV work uses healthier animals and produces more reliable results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176206 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The Viral Testing Core runs continuous screening of an SPF colony of Indian-origin rhesus macaques for viruses that could interfere with HIV studies, including SIV, SRV-D, STLV-1, and Herpes B. A standardized viral-testing algorithm and routine assays are used to define each animal's virological status. The colony has been closed to outside animals since 2016 to reduce the chance of re-introducing those viruses. These steps support NIH-funded HIV/AIDS projects by providing animals with a well-documented, virus-free background.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no direct patient enrollment; people living with HIV are the eventual beneficiaries because more reliable preclinical data can lead to improved therapies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical care will not receive direct benefit from this program because it focuses on animal viral testing rather than treating people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: By ensuring animals are free of confounding viruses, the work helps make preclinical HIV findings more trustworthy and could speed development of better treatments or vaccines for people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Maintaining SPF macaque colonies for HIV research is an established approach that has improved consistency and reliability in many preclinical HIV studies.
Where this research is happening
San Juan, United States
- University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences — San Juan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sariol, Carlos a — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sariol, Carlos a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.