Boosting T-cell help to improve HIV vaccine antibody responses
Optimal T-cell support for HIV neutralizing antibody induction to fusion peptide-inclusive regimens (Opti-FliP)
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11467419
This program is developing vaccine approaches that boost specific helper and killer T cells so people can make stronger HIV-neutralizing antibodies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11467419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine fusion peptide-focused vaccine components with new vaccine types and adjuvants to teach the immune system to make antibodies that block HIV. They will collect blood and tissue samples from people who receive combined SOSIP/HTI vaccine regimens to study follicular helper and cytotoxic T-cell support for antibody responses. The team will test strategies like germline-targeting, divided doses, mRNA delivery, and use of IL-10 inhibitors to encourage long-lived, follicle-homing T cells that cooperate with antibodies. Some work will include people living with clade C HIV to learn which anti-fusion-peptide responses help neutralize the virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults eligible for HIV vaccine trials, including healthy volunteers and people living with HIV (particularly clade C infection) who are invited to provide samples or participate in vaccine arms.
Not a fit: People who cannot receive experimental vaccines, who live far from trial sites, or who are not enrolled in the specific vaccine arms may not directly benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to an HIV vaccine that produces longer-lasting, more protective antibodies supported by effective T-cell responses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous approaches like germline-targeting and mRNA vaccinations have produced promising antibody signals, but reliably creating broadly neutralizing antibodies together with targeted T-cell support remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARTIGAN-O'CONNOR, DENNIS J. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: HARTIGAN-O'CONNOR, DENNIS J.
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus