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Conventional HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) genotyping utilizes Sanger sequencing (SS) methods, which are limited by low data throughput and the inability of detecting low abundant drug resistant variants (LADRVs). Here we present a next generation sequencing (NGS)-based HIVDR typing platform that leverages the advantages of Illumina MiSeq and HyDRA Web. The platform consists of a fully validated sample processing protocol and HyDRA web, an open web portal that allows automated customizable NGS-based HIVDR data processing. This platform was characterized and validated using a panel of HIV-spiked plasma representing all major HIV-1 subtypes, pedigreed plasmids, HIVDR proficiency specimens and clinical specimens. All examined major HIV-1 subtypes were consistently amplified at viral loads of ≥1,000 copies/ml. The gross error rate of this platform was determined at 0.21%, and minor variations were reliably detected down to 0.50% in plasmid mixtures. All HIVDR mutations identifiable by SS were detected by the MiSeq-HyDRA protocol, while LADRVs at frequencies of 1~15% were detected by MiSeq-HyDRA only. As compared to SS approaches, the MiSeq-HyDRA platform has several notable advantages including reduced cost and labour, and increased sensitivity for LADRVs, making it suitable for routine HIVDR monitoring for both patient care and surveillance purposes.

Cynomolgus macaques are an increasingly important nonhuman primate model for HIV vaccine research. SIV-free animals without pre-existing anti-SIV immune responses are generally needed to evaluate the effect of vaccine-induced immune responses against the vaccine epitopes. Here, in order to select such animals for vaccine studies, we screened 108 naïve female Mauritian cynomolgus macaques for natural (baseline) antibodies to SIV antigens using a Bio-Plex multiplex system. The antigens included twelve 20mer peptides overlapping the twelve SIV protease cleavage sites (-10/+10), respectively (PCS peptides), and three non-PCS Gag or Env peptides. Natural antibodies to SIV antigens were detected in subsets of monkeys. The antibody reactivity to SIV was further confirmed by Western blot using purified recombinant SIV Gag and Env proteins. As expected, the immunization of monkeys with PCS antigens elicited anti-PCS antibodies. However, unexpectedly, antibodies to non-PCS peptides were also induced, as shown by both Bio-Plex and Western blot analyses, while the non-PCS peptides do not share sequence homology with PCS peptides. The presence of natural and vaccine cross-inducible SIV antibodies in Mauritian cynomolgus macaques should be considered in animal selection, experimental design and result interpretation, for their best use in HIV vaccine research.