Boosting T-cell support to strengthen HIV fusion‑peptide vaccines
Optimal T-cell support for HIV neutralizing antibody induction to fusion peptide-inclusive regimens (Opti-FliP)
Researchers are developing vaccine approaches that boost specific helper and killer T cells to help people make stronger, broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program combines new vaccine formats and adjuvants designed to produce high‑quality T cells that migrate to B‑cell follicles and support antibody maturation. One project will measure antibody and follicular T‑cell responses in people who receive combined SOSIP/HTI vaccine regimens and study anti‑fusion‑peptide responses in people with clade C HIV. Another project will test strategies such as transient IL‑10 inhibition to safely enhance CD8+ T‑cell quality. The overall aim is to coordinate antibody and T‑cell responses so vaccines produce both potent neutralizing antibodies and durable cellular help.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include adults eligible for early‑phase HIV vaccine trials and people living with HIV (especially clade C infection) being recruited for immune‑response studies.
Not a fit: People who cannot receive experimental vaccines or who have immune disorders that prevent mounting T‑cell or antibody responses may not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help create an HIV vaccine that produces both long‑lasting, broadly neutralizing antibodies and the T‑cell support needed for stronger protection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous vaccine efforts have shown progress in eliciting bnAb precursors and improved immune responses, but reliably producing protective bnAbs in people remains unproven and combining targeted T‑cell support is a relatively new strategy.
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.