CD3/CCR5 antibody approach to lower HIV reservoirs in infants
Understanding reservoir effects and curative potential of a CD3/CCR5 bispecific antibody in infant macaques
A two-armed antibody given with early HIV treatment to lower the hidden virus reservoir in infants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162383 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are improving a bispecific antibody that brings immune killer cells to CCR5-expressing cells, which are a major part of the HIV reservoir. They will refine the antibody's purity and safety and then give it together with antiretroviral therapy very soon after infection in infant macaques. The project will compare animals with low versus high early viral levels to separate true reservoir depletion from removal of cells that fuel rebound. Viral levels, reservoir markers, and remission will be followed over time to learn how the antibody works.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This approach would most directly apply to infants diagnosed with HIV very early who begin antiretroviral therapy within days of infection.
Not a fit: People with long-standing untreated HIV or adults with well-established viral reservoirs are less likely to benefit from this early-life approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that reduce or even eliminate the HIV reservoir in infants and increase chances of long-term remission or cure.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work in SIV-infected infant macaques showed over 50% remission after this antibody, so the approach is promising but has not yet been tested in humans.
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.