Better antibody delivery to treat HIV in infants' brains
Improved delivery of bNAbs for targeting CNS infection in infants
Tiny protective shells around HIV-fighting antibodies aim to help the antibodies reach and clear brain infection in infants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194474 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my infant had HIV, this work uses tiny polymer 'nanocapsules' to carry powerful HIV antibodies across the blood–brain barrier into the cerebrospinal fluid and brain. The team will measure how much antibody reaches the CNS and whether those antibodies reduce virus-harboring cells and markers of brain infection in lab and animal models and relevant biological samples. This approach builds on broadly neutralizing antibodies that have shown promise systemically but adds a new delivery method designed to overcome poor brain penetration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Infants with perinatally acquired HIV, particularly those on antiretroviral therapy who may have persistent CNS infection, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV, and adults without evidence of CNS HIV infection, would not be expected to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower HIV reservoirs in infants' brains and reduce or prevent HIV-related neurodevelopmental problems.
How similar studies have performed: Broadly neutralizing antibodies have shown promise in animal studies and some adult trials for lowering HIV, but using nanocapsules to deliver them into the brain is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wen, Jing — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wen, Jing
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.