This is a program designed to establish broad-based multi-disciplinary specialized centers of research (SCORs) that would expedite the development and application of new knowledge essential for ensuring an adequate supply of safe blood and blood products.
Three centers are being supported through 1995.
P50 HL33774 - Douglas Surgenor - Center for Blood Research, Boston, MA
P50 HL33811 - Carl Grumet - Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
P50 HL44336 - Leon Hoyer - American Red Cross, Rockville, MD
One reason why HIV antibody screening tests may produce "false positive" results is the occurrence of cross-reactivity with other antigens. Anti-HIV gp120 V3 loop monoclonal antibody was found to cross-react with human brain proteins, indicating that molecular mimicry can exist between these structures. Also certain microorganisms, such as mycobacterium leprae, have antigens that generate antibodies that are non-specifically cross-reactive with HIV proteins.
Bone marrow derived dendritic cell (DC) proved to be an extremely potent antigen presenting cell that is capable of indicating primary antigen specific T cell responses. For example, DC obtained from healthy persons and then pulsed in vitro with HIV gp160 can induce autologous CD4+ T cells to proliferate.