A vaccine approach that trains T cells to stop early HIV-like infection
Project 2: Characterization of the in vivo T cell (and overall immune) interception of primary SIV infection after vaccination with differentially response programmed RhCMV/SIV vectors
A CMV-based vaccine approach aims to prompt strong T cells that can catch and stop an HIV-like infection early for people at risk of HIV.
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-11127471 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses rhesus macaques to test engineered rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) vectors that carry parts of SIV, a monkey version of HIV. Researchers program the RhCMV/SIV vectors to produce different types of CD8+ T cell responses and then expose animals to primary SIV infection to see which responses intercept and arrest virus spread. The team measures circulating and tissue-based effector-memory CD8+ T cells, MHC-E-restricted responses, and innate signaling (including IL-15) to identify the immune mechanisms responsible for replication arrest. Results will help decide which vaccine designs should move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at high risk of HIV exposure would be the most likely candidates for future trials of this preventive vaccine approach.
Not a fit: People already living with chronic, well-established HIV infection are unlikely to benefit from a preventive vaccine designed to stop early infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to preventive vaccines that stop HIV soon after exposure and reduce new infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous macaque studies with RhCMV/SIV vectors showed about 59% of vaccinated animals could arrest early SIV replication, making this a promising but still unproven approach for humans.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansen, Scott G — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Hansen, Scott G
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.