Amanda Rae Mannino
Amanda’s research focuses on simian immunodeficiency virus, the nonhuman primate analog of HIV, and its restriction in baboons. The mechanisms underlying baboon’s natural immunity against SIV remain unknown. Understanding the mechanisms behind some individual’s ability to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections without the assistance of antiretroviral therapy could be the key that unlocks a functional cure for this debilitating disease. This select group, known as elite controllers (EC), are a heterogeneous population. An animal model for investigating EC’s innate immunity against immunodeficiency virus would be invaluable to the scientific community. Her aim is to characterize baboon as a model organism for innate immunity against SIV and developing baboons as a model for elite controllers. She has developed a two-pronged approach to investigate this unique host-pathogen interaction, including investigating both host response to viral challenge, as well as viral adaptation to baboon’s inherent selective pressures.
Research Topic: The Baboon Model of Natural Immunity against Immunodeficiency Virus
Research Subtopic: Non-human primates, human immunodeficiency virus, elite controllers
Related Diseases: Human immunodeficiency virus, simian immunodeficiency virus
Techniques: Virology, immunology, animal models, non-human primates, Luminex Multi-Analyte Profiling (xMAP), molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, transformation, transfection, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture, enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay, activation-induced markers (AIM) assay
Additional Associated Institutions: Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Trinity University
Education
- MLS (ASCP), Medical Laboratory Science, Baylor Scott and White Program in Clinical Laboratory Science, 2015
- BS, Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Texas, 2015
- AS, Biology, Tyler Junior College, 2011
Awards
- American Association for the Advancement of Science Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering Workshop- Travel Award provided by the Office of the Vice President for Research at 91PORN, March 2019
- American Society for Microbiology Texas Branch Charlie Gauntt Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement in a graduate student poster presentation- second place, New Braunfels, Texas, March 2019
- 37th Annual Symposium on Nonhuman Primate Models for AIDS- Early Investigator Award provided by NHP Symposium Committee, Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas, October 2019
- 39thAnnual Meeting of the American Society for Virology- Student Travel Award (meeting canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic), April 2020
- Nonhuman Primate Research Conference, Laboratory Research Oral Presentations- first place, Southwest National Primate Research Center (meeting held virtually due to COVID‑19 pandemic), March 2021
- 40th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Virology, Student Registration Award (meeting held virtually due to COVID‑19 pandemic), April 2021