A CMV-based vaccine approach to stop SIV (a monkey model of HIV)
Project 1: Immunologic and Virologic Characterization of RhCMV/SIV Vaccine-Mediated SIV Replication Arrest Efficacy
This work looks at whether a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-based vaccine can prompt immune cells to stop SIV, a monkey version of HIV, from spreading in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers are using a rhesus CMV virus engineered to carry SIV proteins and vaccinating rhesus macaques to see how the immune system blocks infection. Prior results showed about 59% of vaccinated monkeys had long-lasting arrest of SIV replication, so the team will study blood and tissue samples to learn what immune and viral factors make that happen. They are especially focused on unusual CD8+ T cells that work with MHC-E and on signals like IL-15 that may support this protection. Although this work is done in animals, the goal is to learn lessons that could guide future HIV vaccine designs for people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This specific project is pre-clinical and does not enroll people; it is carried out in rhesus macaques, so there are no human candidates to join it now.
Not a fit: People living with HIV or at risk should know this project will not provide direct treatment or enrollment opportunities for patients at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the findings translate to humans, they could point to a vaccine strategy that prevents early HIV spread and might allow long-term control or even clearance of infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous CMV-based SIV vaccine work in rhesus macaques produced an unprecedented result where about 59% of vaccinated animals showed durable replication arrest, but human testing has not yet occurred.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sacha, Jonah B. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Sacha, Jonah B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.