Core C -Centralized Laboratory Support Core

Core C: Project Summary/Abstract: A major focus of the UCLA-CDU Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) is facilitation of multidisciplinary science to advance research in HIV prevention, treatment, and ART-free remission. The Centralized Laboratory Support Core functions to provide investigators with a one-stop center for consultation and access to laboratory assays, cutting-edge technologies, and expertise to support innovative, multidisciplinary research. Laboratory services include assays focused on virology, immunology, and 'omics' technologies including microbiome. In addition, this Core provides novel access to valuable human blood and mucosal specimens. These services enable timely and cost-effective access to these assays and tissues, which would be otherwise unattainable for many CFAR investigators. The Core will also work to develop new assays and research tools in response to the scientific interests of its users. The Core will also offer CAP/CUA-certified laboratory services to support advancement of clinical research. Finally, the Core will also provide important training and education services to keep the CFAR community up to date on the latest technologies and specifically support early stage investigators in the transition to independence. Specifically, we propose to: 1) Facilitate basic and translational HIV/AIDS research through comprehensive laboratory services to assess HIV- 1 infection and immune responses; 2) Provide expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of studies examining HIV-1 and the microbiome, metabolome, or proteome; 3) Support clinical research on HIV prevention, treatment, and ART-free remission through CAP/CUA-certified laboratory services; and 4) Support and stimulate translational HIV/AIDS research by providing mentoring, training, and education programs in relevant laboratory techniques.