| Abstract |
 Dr.
Connor has sought to develop a topical microbicide against
HIV-1 that utilizes genetically modified lactobacilli, which
express the antiviral compound, cyanovirin-N (CV-N). CV-N
has been shown to have potent neutralizing activity against
a broad range of HIV-1 strains, including T-tropic, M-tropic
and primary HIV-1 isolates. By genetically modifying lactobacillus
to secrete CV-N, Dr. Connor hypothesizes that it will be possible
to effectively block HIV-1 infection at the vaginal mucosa.
The specific aims of this pilot study are 1) to design and
construct vectors for the expression of CV-N in lactobacillus,
2) to characterize intracellular expression and secretion
on CV-N; and 3) To assess the ability of secreted CV-N to
inhibit replications of HIV-1 and SIV in vitro.
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