AI-designed HIV Env proteins to train protective antibodies
Deep Learning-based Protein Design of HIV-1 Env GP120 Core Immunogens for CD4 Binding Site Germline Targeting
Using artificial intelligence to design pieces of the HIV envelope that aim to teach the immune system to make broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259553 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use deep-learning protein design tools to create new versions of the HIV gp120 core focused on the CD4 binding site. Lab tests will check how the designs bind to human precursor and mature antibodies, and promising designs will be presented on nanoparticles for vaccination studies in mice engineered with human antibody genes. The team will study germinal center and memory B cell responses and determine the structures of monoclonal antibodies generated to see how antibody maturation is guided. Designs will also try to mask off-target regions while keeping the correct pre-fusion shape of the protein.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for HIV infection who might be eligible for future preventive vaccine trials aimed at the CD4 binding site would be the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People already living with chronic HIV infection or individuals who cannot mount normal B cell responses are unlikely to benefit from a preventive vaccine developed from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce vaccine ingredients that better prime the immune system to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Related germline-targeting immunogens have shown early promise in animal studies and initial human priming trials, but applying deep-learning design specifically to gp120 cores is a newer approach with limited prior testing.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pancera, Marie — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Pancera, Marie
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.