Developing an HIV Vaccine

HIV Vaccine Design Incorporating Selective Avidity

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · NIH-11163302

This research aims to create new vaccine components that could teach the body to make powerful antibodies against HIV.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HONOLULU, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11163302 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies naturally produce special cells called B-cells that can make antibodies to fight infections. For HIV, it's hard to get these B-cells to make the strongest kind of antibodies, called broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), which can fight many different strains of the virus. This project uses advanced computer tools, including artificial intelligence, to design new vaccine ingredients. We will first test these ingredients in the lab to see how well they interact with B-cells, and then test the most promising ones in animal models to see if they can guide the B-cells to produce these powerful bnAbs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone who might benefit from a future preventative or therapeutic HIV vaccine.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this early-stage vaccine development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a highly effective vaccine that protects against many different types of HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While developing broadly neutralizing antibodies through vaccination has been challenging, this project uses novel AI-based design tools to overcome previous difficulties.

Where this research is happening

HONOLULU, 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 Virus, 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.