Year 4/NCE

During the final reporting period for this grant we have completed in vivo testing of our second generation anti-HIV constructs. We have identified a construct (SGLV4) that has an improved safety profile compared to our first generation vectors (less toxic) and superior anti-HIV activity including inhibition of viral replication and protection of CD4+ T-cells and monocytes as demosntrated in our in vivo animal model system. The use of this vector to genetically modify heamtopoietic stem cells may lead to a functional cure for HIV through the provision of an HIV-resistant immune system that will clear virus through normal immune mediated mechanisms. We will move this vector construct into pre-clinical development testing as funds become available through CIRM or other sources (NIH).