Maintenance of an SPF Macaque Breeding Colony for AIDS Research

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT – OVERALL The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) has one of the largest rhesus monkey breeding colonies in the United States. The objective of this application is to request funds for continued support and maintenance of the U42-supported specific pathogen-free (SPF) Indian-origin rhesus monkey breeding colony at the TNPRC. We will moderately increase production over the next few years due to recent developments in funding and animal demand. The specific aims address the components specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and are divided into the overall program description, husbandry core, viral testing core, and MHC genetic typing core. Program income and TNPRC funds will be used to fund components of the program not covered by grant funds, including per diem for any colony animals in excess of the animals supported by this application, additional testing required for those animals, infrastructure repairs and improvements, veterinary clinical and pathology support, behavioral management support, and portions of the genetic testing. Specific Aims: Overall. To maintain the existing SPF colony and distribute available animals to the NIH-funded HIV/AIDS research community. Husbandry and Management Core. To provide husbandry and veterinary care for the SPF breeding colony. This includes a robust program for clinical veterinary medical care and behavioral management. The colony has reached a mature, self-sustaining status with ideal demographics for production that allow making up to 150 animals available for research assignment each year. Program income generated by the sale of animals will be returned to an account for use in supporting the aims of the grant. Viral Testing Core. To assure the SPF status of the colony through continued viral testing of existing breeding colony animals and all offspring. Continue to expand characterization of the colony beyond the required 4 viruses to include agents such as measles virus, SARS-CoV-2, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other emerging infectious diseases that threaten nonhuman primates. MHC Genetic Typing Core. To continue genetic analysis and MHC typing of the SPF colony and provide expanded genetic characterization through enhanced techniques.