Developing a new HIV vaccine that targets specific immune responses

B cell lineage directed rational vaccine strategies based on CAP256SU Env-Ab coevolution

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11076704

This study is working on a new HIV vaccine that helps your immune system make special antibodies to better fight the virus, and it's designed for anyone interested in finding a more effective way to prevent HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11076704 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating an effective vaccine for HIV by targeting specific immune responses. It aims to stimulate the production of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) through a novel approach that includes priming B cell precursors and guiding their development to effectively recognize and attack the HIV virus. The methodology involves activating rare B cell precursors, directing their responses to key viral epitopes, and enhancing their effectiveness through a process called affinity maturation. This innovative strategy seeks to overcome previous challenges in HIV vaccine development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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 vaccination.

Not a fit: Patients who are already HIV-positive or those with compromised immune systems may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking vaccine that provides effective protection against HIV infection.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to HIV vaccine development, this specific strategy targeting the V2 apex bnAb supersite is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.