Developing a vaccine to generate antibodies against HIV-1

Harnessing SHIVs and Sequential Immunization to Elicit V3 Glycan-Targeted bNAbs against HIV-1

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10921834

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

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10921834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

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 an effective vaccine that provides long-lasting protection against HIV-1 infection.

How similar studies have performed: 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

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.