Core D: Clinical Sciences

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The RUSTBELT CFAR Clinical Sciences Core D, managed by a team of highly experienced HIV/AIDS clinical investigators and staff, will act as the centralized resource for CFAR users proposing or conducting clinical or translational research involving human participants, clinical data, or samples. The core's main services include (i) quick access to existing clinical data and repository samples from persons with HIV (PWH), (ii) on-demand collection of fresh biological samples from PWH, individuals at risk of infection, and low-risk uninfected individuals, and (iii) centralized clinical support from CFAR to investigators for designing, implementing, conducting, and analyzing clinical research studies across the expanded RUSTBELT CFAR sites. In this upcoming grant cycle, our capabilities will be significantly enhanced by adding the outstanding Pittsburgh clinical cohorts. The merged core will feature expertise in HIV prevention, substance use, and cure research. Additionally, the range of obtainable specimens will greatly expand through procurement of leukapheresed samples, gastrointestinal tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), cervical tissue, placenta, cord blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), stool, and genital secretions for translational studies. Core D maintains strong ties with patient communities and affiliated AIDS service organizations through regular meetings of the Community Advisory Boards (CABs) and ongoing initiatives, including AIDS-free Pittsburgh and End the Epidemic in Cleveland (EtHE in CLE). RUSTBELT CFAR Core D leaders will guide and connect CFAR investigators to ongoing cohorts and study groups such as the Pittsburgh HIV Lung Research Cohort and the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems, to maximize the use of these valuable resources. Core D will also work closely with Developmental Core B to ensure the success of projects selected for pilot and catalytic awards. Moreover, Core D will collaborate with Cores E (Viral Pathogenesis & Persistence) and F (Systems Biology & Biostatistics) to ensure CFAR users benefit from the full spectrum of available resources in a coordinated and efficient manner. Lastly, Core D will partner with Uganda Core C to provide US-based CFAR users access to data and samples from HIV+ individuals in Uganda. In this way, Core D expands the use of existing resources across multiple institutions and engages new and early-career investigators in HIV/AIDS research at local, national, and international levels.