Developing a new type of HIV vaccine using engineered bacteria
Official title: Globally Appropriate Genome Reduced Killed Whole Bacterial HIV Vaccines
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11045059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, affordable HIV vaccine made from specially modified E. coli bacteria that helps your immune system fight the virus, with the hope that it will be safe, effective, and easy to share around the world.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $282,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176515-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of HIV infection or those living with HIV who may benefit from new vaccine options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already receiving effective treatment for HIV and are not at risk of infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel HIV vaccine using a low-cost platform that employs genetically modified E. coli bacteria. The approach involves engineering specific proteins from the HIV virus to stimulate the immune system to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies. By utilizing synthetic biology, the researchers can quickly develop vaccine candidates that are affordable and can be produced globally. The goal is to create a safe and effective vaccine that can be easily distributed and stored.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to an affordable and effective HIV vaccine that is accessible worldwide.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using similar bioengineering approaches for vaccine development, particularly with coronavirus vaccines.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeichner, Steven L. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Zeichner, Steven L.
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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.