A new approach to creating an HIV-1 vaccine
Official title: An Env apex-focused HIV-1 vaccine strategy
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11143904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to create a vaccine for HIV-1 by looking at special antibodies that can fight the virus, and it's aimed at helping people who are at risk of getting HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $867,099 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI186793-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk of HIV-1 infection or those who are HIV-negative but may benefit from preventive vaccination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already HIV-positive or those with contraindications to vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to develop a vaccine for HIV-1 by focusing on specific antibodies that can effectively neutralize the virus. The approach centers on understanding the human antibody repertoire, particularly the B-cell receptors that can bind to the HIV-1 envelope's apex. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the researchers aim to enhance the production of broadly neutralizing antibodies that can provide protection against HIV-1. This could lead to a more effective vaccination strategy to prevent HIV transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a highly effective vaccine that significantly reduces the risk of HIV-1 transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting similar antibody responses, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farzan, Michael R. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Farzan, Michael R.
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.