Boosting NK immune cells to help antibodies control HIV without daily drugs
Generation of highly differentiated NK cells to synergize with broadly neutralizing antibodies to establish viral control in absence of ART
This project works to strengthen a type of immune cell called natural killer (NK) cells so they, together with antibody treatment, can keep HIV suppressed without continuous antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study why some primates naturally keep related viruses out of key lymphoid sites and found a type of highly differentiated NK cell that is very good at killing infected cells. In lab and monkey experiments they use the immune signal IL-21 to expand these NK cells and test whether they work together with broadly neutralizing antibodies to stop the virus when drugs are stopped. The team measures virus levels and immune activity in blood and lymphoid tissues to see if the combined approach controls infection without ART. If promising, the work could guide future human trials combining NK-cell boosting with antibody therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults living with HIV who are stably suppressed on ART and interested in immune-based strategies to reduce or stop daily medications.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled HIV, advanced immune suppression, active serious co-infections, or who cannot receive antibody or immune-modulating treatments may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help people living with HIV maintain viral control without needing continuous antiretroviral drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies and some human trials of broadly neutralizing antibodies have shown encouraging, temporary control, and IL-21 rescue of NK cell profiles was promising in macaques, but combining NK-cell reprogramming with antibodies is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paiardini, Mirko — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Paiardini, Mirko
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.