The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) represents the body's major lymphoid organ, most of which is directly, quickly and safely accessible by endoscopic biopsy. The Mucosal Immunology Core will provide interested researchers with clinically well-characterized tissue samples from gastrointestinal mucosal sites. The clinical component will involve consultation in study design, recruitment of appropriate patient cohorts, and assistance in submission of individualized human subjects protection applications. The laboratory component will provide optimized techniques in providing fresh and frozen samples from HIV seropositive subjects and seronegative controls.

Site-specific biopsies of esophageal, stomach, duodenal, ileal, colonic and rectal tissue with paired peripheral blood samples can be obtained for investigators, once appropriate approvals have been obtained. Single cell collections, such as mononuclear mucosal preparations for flow cytometry, or immunoglobulin secretions from saliva or rectal mucosa can be collected on a prospective basis for interested investigators. Other mucosal sites (pharyngeal, pulmonary, vaginal, urinary system) and patient populations (including women and minorities) will be available through a network of supportive clinicians.

The main goals of the Core are to foster multi-disciplinary interactions for further advances in AIDS research and to bridge basic and clinical investigations in the area of HIV-related pathogenesis, treatment strategies and, importantly, vaccine development. The Core facility is available to all UCLA CFAR members, UCLA faculty who demonstrate an interest consistent with the Core's aims, and community or university based institutions/individuals whose interest align with those of the Core and the AIDS Institute and who are willing to enter into a collaborative arrangement.