Broad HIV antibodies given when people start HIV treatment
Determining the effects of broadly neutralizing antibodies at antiretroviral therapy initiation
This project looks at whether giving powerful HIV-fighting antibodies when people begin or restart HIV medicines helps control the virus and boost immune defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124163 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a primate model that mimics human HIV infection and introduce genetically barcoded virus mixtures to track how different virus strains respond. They give combinations of broadly neutralizing antibodies at the moment antiretroviral therapy is started, then interrupt and restart therapy to observe effects on viral rebound, reservoir size, and immune responses. By comparing antibody-sensitive and -resistant barcoded viruses, the team aims to pinpoint which antibody properties (neutralizing potency and effector functions) drive durable control. The goal is to translate these mechanistic insights to guide future human trials and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are starting antiretroviral therapy or who may stop and then restart therapy are the most relevant candidates for these findings.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those whose virus is already resistant to the antibodies tested are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify antibody strategies that reduce the viral reservoir or help people control HIV for longer without continuous medication.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal work and a few small clinical trials have shown promising signals for broadly neutralizing antibodies at treatment start, but clear, definitive benefits and mechanisms are still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bar, Katharine June — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bar, Katharine June
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.