Creating new immunogens to stimulate antibodies against HIV
Official title: Mannosidase-stabilized glycan immunogens for elicitation of high mannose patch antibodies
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10816482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help the immune system fight HIV by using special sugar structures that can boost antibody production, and it's being done with rabbits to see how well these antibodies work against the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $203,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174956-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at risk for HIV or those interested in participating in vaccine development studies.
✕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 new glycan immunogens that can effectively stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies targeting a specific region of the HIV virus known as the High Mannose Patch. The approach involves stabilizing certain sugar structures to prevent their breakdown in the body, which may enhance the immune response. By immunizing rabbits with these stabilized glycans, researchers aim to compare the effectiveness of the antibodies produced against HIV. The study will also explore how well these antibodies can bind to the targeted glycan structures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines or therapies for HIV by enhancing the body's ability to produce neutralizing antibodies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using stabilized glycans is innovative, similar strategies in vaccine development have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krauss, Isaac Jonathan — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Krauss, Isaac Jonathan
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.