A vaccine to protect against HIV transmission through anal sex
Official title: MEPCS (Multi-epitope protease cleavage sites) vaccine for protecting against SIV rectal transmission
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-10839115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine designed to help prevent HIV by targeting specific parts of the virus that are important for its growth, and it's aimed at people who are at risk of HIV transmission during anal sex.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $650,156 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI181671-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10839115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk of HIV transmission, particularly through anal sex.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of HIV transmission or those who are already HIV positive may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel vaccine that targets specific protease cleavage sites in the HIV virus, which are crucial for its maturation. By utilizing insights gained from individuals who naturally resist HIV, the vaccine aims to create a broadly accessible solution that can prevent the virus from mutating and escaping immune responses. The approach involves using a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine delivered through a stable nanoformulation, which has shown promising results in preclinical trials with macaques. If successful, this vaccine could significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission during anal sex.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new preventive measure against HIV transmission, particularly for individuals at high risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar vaccine approaches, particularly in animal models, indicating potential for human application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Qingsheng — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Li, Qingsheng
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.