Creating a vaccine to stimulate the immune system against HIV
Official title: Leveraging membrane Env liposome vaccine design to elicit multi-target cross-neutralization of HIV
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11057572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine that aims to boost the immune system's ability to fight HIV by helping it produce special antibodies, and it's designed for people interested in better ways to prevent HIV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $839,102 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI183472-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at high risk for HIV infection or those who are HIV-negative but may benefit from preventive measures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already HIV-positive or those with compromised immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel vaccine designed to activate specific immune cells that can produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against HIV. The approach utilizes a unique liposome platform that targets germline precursors of these antibodies, aiming to enhance the immune response in animal models, particularly rhesus macaques. By employing a strategy known as Germline Targeting, the researchers hope to effectively prime the immune system to recognize and combat HIV more efficiently. The study will assess the vaccine's ability to elicit strong immune responses that could lead to effective protection against HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking HIV vaccine that provides long-lasting immunity and protection against the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches to vaccine development, particularly in eliciting immune responses against HIV, but this specific method is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zwick, Michael B — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Zwick, Michael B
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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.