Developing a vaccine to generate antibodies against HIV-1
Official title: Harnessing SHIVs and Sequential Immunization to Elicit V3 Glycan-Targeted bNAbs against HIV-1
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10921834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine to help your immune system make powerful antibodies that can fight HIV-1, using special versions of the virus's outer layer to teach your body how to recognize and attack it better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,512 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI179430-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10921834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for HIV infection 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 compromised immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a vaccine that can stimulate the immune system to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1. The approach involves using modified versions of the HIV envelope protein to expose specific targets for the immune system, which are usually hidden due to the virus's complex structure. By employing a method called sequential immunization, the researchers aim to guide the immune response from initial antibody precursors to fully functional bNAbs that can effectively neutralize the virus. This innovative strategy seeks to overcome previous challenges in HIV vaccine development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to an effective vaccine that provides long-lasting protection against HIV-1 infection.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been challenges in previous HIV vaccine efforts, this approach of using modified envelope proteins and sequential immunization is a novel strategy that has not yet been fully tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skelly, Ashwin Nicholas — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Skelly, Ashwin Nicholas
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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.