Developing a vaccine to target HIV-1 using virus-like particles

HIV-1 Fusion Peptide-directed Vaccine Design Using Virus-like Particles

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11030219

This study is testing a new vaccine designed to help your immune system fight HIV by teaching it to recognize and attack a specific part of the virus, and it's aimed at people living with or at risk of HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030219 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a vaccine that targets a specific part of the HIV-1 virus, known as the fusion peptide, to stimulate the immune system to produce strong antibodies. The approach involves priming the immune response with a fusion peptide linked to a carrier protein and then boosting it with a modified HIV-1 envelope protein. The goal is to generate antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of HIV-1 variants, which is crucial for effective vaccination. The research builds on previous successes in animal models, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine design.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at high risk for HIV infection or those who are HIV-negative but may benefit from preventive vaccination.

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 a more effective HIV vaccine that provides broader protection against various strains of the virus.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar vaccine strategies in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.