CMV-based vaccine approach to stop early HIV replication
Immunologic and Virologic Basis of RhCMV/SIV Vaccine-Induced Replication Arrest Efficacy
A CMV-based vaccine strategy is being developed to train immune cells to stop HIV from multiplying early, with the goal of helping people at risk of HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127445 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using CMV vaccine vectors in rhesus macaques to understand how certain CD8+ T cells (MHC-E-restricted, effector-memory cells) can arrest early SIV/HIV replication and lead to virus clearance. They will analyze blood gene-expression signatures, including IL-15 signaling, and dissect the virologic and immunologic mechanisms that produce protection. The team will define the genetic features of the CMV vectors required to elicit these unique immune responses and criteria needed to move toward human testing. Findings aim to guide design of vaccines that could reproduce this effect in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Eventually, ideal candidates for trials would be people at high risk of HIV exposure or individuals very early after suspected exposure.
Not a fit: People with long-standing, well-controlled HIV infection on effective antiretroviral therapy are unlikely to gain direct benefit from a preventive CMV-based vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a vaccine that stops HIV soon after exposure and helps clear infection, reducing the need for lifelong treatment.
How similar studies have performed: In rhesus macaques, CMV/SIV vaccines have shown notable success—about 59% prevented progressive infection via early replication arrest—so the approach has strong animal data but is largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Picker, Louis J. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Picker, Louis 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.