Combining potent lab-made antibodies with a person's own antibodies to block HIV escape
Complementing broadly neutralizing antibodies and autologous responses to restrict virus escape and durably suppress HIV-1
This project pairs powerful lab-made HIV antibodies with a person's own immune antibodies to try to stop the virus from escaping and help keep HIV under control for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11353795 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use blood samples and virus sequences from people who received single or combination broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) treatments to see how HIV changed under antibody pressure. They will map the paths the virus takes to escape these antibodies and use that information to pick complementary bnAb pairs that limit escape. The team will also study each person's own neutralizing antibody response to find combinations that work together with natural immunity. Laboratory tests of virus sensitivity and antibody mapping will guide design of antibody combinations aimed at more durable viral suppression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who have received or may receive broadly neutralizing antibody therapy and who can provide blood samples or join follow-up clinical research are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those not eligible for or interested in antibody-based therapies (for example, those stable on ART who will not enroll in bnAb studies) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce antibody combinations that make it much harder for HIV to develop resistance and help keep viral levels suppressed for longer periods.
How similar studies have performed: Single-antibody trials have shown the virus can escape, and early combination antibody work is promising but remains experimental and not yet broadly proven.
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.