Designing a vaccine to enhance the immune response against HIV
Official title: HIV Vaccine Design Incorporating Selective Avidity
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10925074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine to help your immune system better fight HIV by using smart technology to create special proteins that boost the production of important immune cells called B-cells, which make antibodies to tackle the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,063 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI181698-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at risk of HIV infection or those interested in HIV vaccine development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already living with HIV and are receiving treatment may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new type of vaccine that aims to improve the immune system's ability to fight HIV. By using advanced techniques, including artificial intelligence, the researchers will design and test new immunogens that can help guide the development of specific immune cells known as B-cells. These B-cells are crucial for producing antibodies that can neutralize the virus. The study will involve laboratory tests and experiments in mouse models to evaluate the effectiveness of these engineered vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective HIV vaccine that enhances the body's ability to produce protective antibodies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to develop effective vaccines against other viruses, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macpherson, Iain Seido — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Macpherson, Iain Seido
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.