amfAR announces inaugural Mathilde Krim Fellowship Awards for AIDS research

Maintenance of drug resistance mutations and HIV-1 evolutionary adaptation: When HIV reproduces, mutated versions of the virus can arise that are less susceptible to anti-HIV drug therapy. There is a fitness cost to the virus, however, since mutated HIV generally reproduces less efficiently. Despite being weaker, drug-resistant mutant HIV can persist in individuals and be transmitted to others, thus perpetuating treatment difficulties. Dr. Rolland hypothesizes that when the virus mutates to avoid drug therapy, it simultaneously makes other mutations that strengthen its ability to reproduce, outweighing the weakening effects of the therapy-evasion mutations. Future developments in HIV drug therapy will be guided by the results of Dr. Rolland’s research.

Rogier Sanders, Ph.D./Mentor: Ben Berkhout, Ph.D.
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
$125,000

Generation of stable HIV-1 Env trimers through virus evolution: AIDS vaccine development has been hampered by the difficulty in producing a protein in the lab that mimics proteins on the surface of HIV. Such proteins could theoretically be used to make an AIDS vaccine. Researchers until now have been plagued by difficulties in generating a three-part protein (trimer), such as that on the surface of the virus, that is stable and has regions on its surface that would encourage the immune system to make antibodies. These antibodies could then successfully target the virus for destruction. Dr. Sanders plans to address several of the challenges that have plagued these efforts so far. Researchers generally agree that an AIDS vaccine should generate appropriate antibodies in order to prevent HIV infection.

About amfAR:

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of HIV/AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. With its freedom and flexibility to respond quickly to emerging opportunities and its determination to invest in cutting-edge science, amfAR plays a unique, catalytic role in accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research and achieving real breakthroughs. Funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations, amfAR has invested $260 million in support of its mission since 1985 and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.

For additional information about amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Krim Fellowship, visit the amfAR website at www.amfar.org.

CONTACT:

Donald Kaplan, Director of Program Communications
(212) 806-1602/917 435-8730

Jennifer Samuels, Assistant Coordinator for Program Communications
(212) 806-1756