The Nonhuman Primate Research Support Core provides critical logistical and laboratory support and coordination for all internal nonhuman primate (NHP) studies.  

Our team schedules all animal-study events and prepares drugs for administration to study animals for all NHP studies conducted by scientists in the AIDS and Cancer Virus Program and their collaborators. 

We process, distribute, and store specimens of NHP blood, tissues, and other bodily fluids. Our group maintains detailed inventories and databases on these specimens.

Maximizing the scientific value of a precious resource 

Nonhuman primates are a precious research resource. Maximizing the scientific value of each animal on each study requires significant, dedicated effort. Within the AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, we consolidated our specimen handling, processing, and storage needs into a single, dedicated laboratory that provides these services in a highly efficient and effective manner on an ongoing basis for all NHP studies conducted by AIDS and Cancer Virus Program scientists and their collaborators. 

Collaboration Opportunities

AIDS and Cancer Virus Program research sections and research support cores collaborate with scientists within and outside the National Institutes of Health to address key remaining challenges in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection and associated conditions. We engage with external investigators through partnership mechanisms including Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), material transfer agreements (MTAs), and technical service agreements (TSAs).

Competence and consistency 

The Nonhuman Primate Research Support Core staff receives, processes, distributes, and stores specimens of NHP blood, tissues, and other bodily fluids from all AIDS and Cancer Virus Program NHP research studies daily. This approach provides consistent, high-quality samples for downstream analysis. The core maintains detailed, consolidated inventories and databases on these specimens that can be accurately queried and accessed long after each study is completed.   

Support of ACVP nonhuman primate research 

The Nonhuman Primate Research Core supports up to 20 concurrent NHP research studies conducted by AIDS and Cancer Virus Program scientists and their collaborators. These studies explore the biology of AIDS virus transmission and pathogenesis and evaluate HIV treatment and vaccine approaches in relevant animal models.  

Our capabilities and specializations

Study event scheduling 

The core works closely with animal facility staff and investigators to plan and schedule all animal-study events. 

  • Study inoculations, immunization, and treatment  

  • Specimen collections 

Specimen processing 

Primary specimens are received and processed according to the study investigator’s instructions and the needs of downstream laboratories. 

  • Prepare labeled collection vessels for all sampling time points 

  • Generate single-cell suspensions from tissue specimens 

  • Separate plasma and PBMCs from whole blood 

Drug preparation 

Antiretroviral drugs are formulated, vialed, and provided to the animal facility for administration to study animals. 

  • Co-formulate bulk antiretroviral drugs for injection 

  • Prepare antiretrovirals and other drugs for oral dosing to research animals