Molecular Charactarization of HIV-1C

Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) and Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA)

Health and Workplace study

Adult Anti-retroviral Treatment and Resistance Study (Tshepo)

HIV Vaccine Initiative Maiteko a Tshireletso)

For more information contact:

Ria Madison
Project Administrator
Botswana Harvard Partnership
Private Bag 320
Princess Marina Hospital
Gaborone
Botswana

email: rmadison@bhp.org.bw

Molecular Charactarization of HIV-1C

More than 50 different isolates of the HIV-1C virus have been isolated from different regions in Botswana and researchers have characterized their molecular and biologic traits. Each virus has been completely decoded to provide critical information for drug efficacy and vaccine design. After the HIV-1B virus in the U.S. and Europe, more information is known about the HIV-1C virus in Botswana than for any other HIV subtype in any other country. This information will be useful for vaccine development.

Prevention of Mother to Infant Transmission of HIV-1C in Botswana (Mashi)

This study aims to determine the timing of transmission of HIV from a mother to her infant, as well as the impact of anti-retroviral therapy and feeding strategy on the transmission of HIV from mother to infant. Part of the Mashi study also focuses on infant health outcomes, investigating the effects of infant feeding patterns on the health and vigor of infants. Rates and outcomes of diarrheal and respiratory diseases are monitored among infants born to HIV-positive mothers, comparing them to HIV-negative mothers. [more...]

Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) and Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA)

In order to facilitate the design of a subtype-specific, HLA-based HIV vaccine, two separate studies have analyzed CTL responses and determined HLA class I antigen specificities and haplotype frequencies in donors in Botswana. These studies suggest that the mapping of CTL epitopes, on the basis of common HLA specificities among the target population, will contribute to the design of a more efficient HLA-based AIDS vaccine. [more...]

Genomic Analysis of Genetic Characteristics of HIV-1C

In order to better understand how HIV is passed from mother- to-infant, virus isolated from HIV-infected infants is being compared to virus isolated from samples of blood, breast milk, and cervicovaginal fluid from their mothers. These findings will help identify signature patterns that can indicate the route of transmission of HIV from mother-to-child. Such information will help develop interventions that can improve the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. [more...]

Health and Workplace study

Researchers working with the Botswana-Harvard Partnership are also investigating behavioral components associated with HIV infection and AIDS. Among the many studies being conducted are the Addressing Family and Health Needs Study, as well as the Male Involvement Study, which is looking at the role men play in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. [more...]

Adult Anti-retroviral Treatment and Resistance Study (Tshepo)

The Tshepo Study examines the use of anti-retroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1C infection in Botswana. The study will assess mutation rates for drug resistance of HIV-1C in patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy, as well as evaluate different adherance strategies of administering treatment to participants. [more...]

HIV Vaccine Initiative (Maiteko a Tshireletso)

Determining the genetics of the immune response for populations in Botswana and combining this information with knowledge of HIV-1C may be critical to designing a vaccine that would be effective in southern Africa. Several vaccines that might be considered for trials are in different stages of development by Boston-based members of the Partnership. These designs use different pieces of HIV-1C. They include experimental vaccines made with DNA alone, with HIV immunogens linked to a bacterial delivery protein, and with the HIV-1C immunogens delivered by a harmless herpes virus. [more...]

See also HVTN