Developing a vaccine to stimulate immune responses against HIV
Official title: Guiding the maturation of anti-CD4-BS bnAbs through sequential heterologous Env immunization
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11063964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine for HIV-1 that aims to help your body produce strong antibodies to fight the virus, using special techniques in mice that are designed to act like humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $873,050 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177095-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at high risk for HIV infection or those interested in participating in vaccine trials.
✕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 aims to create an effective vaccine for HIV-1 by eliciting diverse immune responses, particularly focusing on broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) that target the CD4-binding site. The approach involves a series of immunizations using specially designed Env-derived immunogens to guide the maturation of these antibodies. By using transgenic mice that better mimic human immune responses, the researchers hope to optimize the immunization process to enhance the effectiveness of the antibodies produced. This innovative method seeks to improve the neutralizing capacity of the antibodies against various strains of the virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking HIV vaccine that provides broader protection against the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches to developing HIV vaccines, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stamatatos, Leonidas — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Stamatatos, Leonidas
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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.