Vaccine Research and Development Branch

2. To conduct clinical and epidemiological studies to determine the risk factors for
infections caused by HIV and other retroviruses.
3. To conduct basic research into the causes of AIDS.
4. To conduct follow-up studies to determine how frequently either immunodeficiency or
neurological disorders occur as a consequence of chronic HIV infection.
5. To identify and conduct long-term studies of populations at high risk for developing
HIV infection.
6. To exchange information and share techniques and materials pertinent to study human
retrovirus infections.
The Panel alternates meetings between the United States and Japan, and provides an opportunity
for investigators from both countries to present overviews and detailed reports in sessions on the
epidemiology of AIDS; current understanding of the causative agent, the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV); the pathogenesis of lentivirus infections; immune activation and
disease; retrovirus model systems; and prospects for interventions and control.

VRDB-iv