Under the DELIVER initiative, MHRP researchers are conducting targeted technology transfer to expand HIV cure research capacity. Early efforts focus on transferring neutralization, pharmacokinetic (PK), and anti-drug antibody (ADA) assays to DELIVER partner sites, beginning in Tanzania and Thailand. By decentralizing these processes, DELIVER is strengthening local research infrastructure and advancing HIV research capabilities at a network of sites through Africa, Asia and South America.
MHRP scientists launched this effort by engaging partners at the National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre (NIMR-MMRC) in Tanzania to train them on neutralization assays. They began with a comprehensive remote introduction to more than 19 standard operating procedures, augmented with thorough documentation and detailed training videos. In late 2025, an MHRP team traveled to Mbeya to provide hands-on training to NIMRMMRC laboratory technicians, ensuring consistent assay performance and reinforcing best practices.
Critically, this in-person visit allowed the researchers to tailor protocols to site-specific equipment, workflows and operational challenges. To validate the transfer of these skills, MHRP labs will perform neutralization assays in parallel with the Tanzania team to directly compare results and confirm alignment between sites. Once equivalency is established, NIMR-MMRC will be able to independently conduct neutralization assays to support regional HIV countermeasure trials and other research.
Building on this progress, MHRP scientists will next train colleagues in Thailand on PK and ADA assays to support ongoing an ongoing cure trial in Bangkok. Dr. David Leggat’s cellular immunology section has also successfully tech transferred a multi-parameter flow cytometry assay for immune cytokine staining to AFRIMS Retrovirology in Thailand. In Kericho, Kenya, Dr. Morgane Rolland has worked closely with partner scientists to enhance viral sequence analysis skills as well as to improve laboratory capabilities for genomic research. Upgraded facilities will house nextgeneration sequencing platforms, advanced bioinformatics, ultrasensitive PCR technology, and sophisticated automation systems, among other capabilities.
Eventually, MHRP will transfer additional technology including HIV reservoir quantification, HLA typing, DNA/RNA scope, and immunohistochemistry to various partner sites. Beyond current studies, these assays are broadly applicable to future research and development involving broadly neutralizing antibodies and other HIV countermeasures, further extending DELIVER’s impact.