Hutch seeks twins for HIV vaccine study | Community Spirit

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is seeking Seattle-area identical or fraternal twins for a study on genetics and the way the immune system responds to vaccination.

The study is being conducted by The HIV Vaccine Trials Unit – Seattle (HVTU).

Janine Maenza, M.D., clinic director of the Seattle HVTU and study co-chair, said in a press release that the study is designed to answer the following questions:

• How do genes affect the strength of an immune response that vaccines can produce?
• How do genes affect different immune responses?
• How do genes affect how safe and comfortable vaccines are for people?

To be eligible, both twins must be HIV negative, ages 18-50 and in general good health. Both must be available to receive vaccinations in Seattle and they must test negative by blood test for adenovirus 5, a common respiratory tract virus. This is a paid study.

Two research HIV vaccines that have been already widely tested in other populations are being tested in this trial, which is called HVTN 082 “The Twin Study.” Study participants cannot become infected with HIV by these vaccines.

The goal is to recruit 80 pairs of twins from three major metropolitan areas: Seattle, San Francisco and Boston. Those interested in more information should contact the Seattle HVTU at 206-667-7510 or info@seattlevaccines.org