Developing a new vaccine approach for HIV prevention
Official title: Synthetic DNA-launched and adjuvanted Env immunogens for HIV
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11011256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of vaccine for HIV that uses DNA to help your immune system fight the virus better, and it's designed for anyone interested in preventing HIV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,424,072 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI166916-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk of HIV exposure 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 severe immunocompromised conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a protective vaccine for HIV using a DNA platform that can effectively stimulate the immune system. It aims to enhance the body's response to HIV by delivering specific proteins and molecular adjuvants that boost the production of neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses. The approach has shown promise in previous studies, where DNA-launched nanoparticle vaccines induced strong immune responses in animal models. By improving the design and delivery of these vaccines, the research seeks to provide a more effective strategy for preventing HIV infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a highly effective vaccine that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar DNA vaccine approaches, indicating potential for this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiner, David B. — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Weiner, David 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.