DNA-delivered HIV vaccine designs and immune-boosting helpers to strengthen protective antibodies
Design and optimization of DL-NLTs and molecular adjuvants to increase potency and promote NAb formation in vivo
Developing DNA-delivered HIV vaccine components plus molecular adjuvants to help people at risk of HIV make stronger neutralizing antibodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using DNA that instructs the body to build HIV-like proteins that assemble into native-like trimers and nanoparticles to show the right antibody targets. The same DNA approach also delivers molecular adjuvants to boost antibody and T cell responses, including at mucosal surfaces. The team will optimize these designs in the lab and preclinical models and advance the most promising candidates into early human studies run through the HVTN network (HVTN-304 and HVTN-305). The aim is to generate broad neutralizing antibodies and robust cellular immunity that could prevent HIV infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are HIV-negative adults who meet eligibility for early-phase HIV vaccine trials, often people at elevated risk of HIV exposure.
Not a fit: People already living with HIV or individuals who cannot safely receive DNA-based vaccines (for example certain immunocompromised patients) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to an HIV vaccine that produces broader neutralizing antibodies and stronger protection against HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: Related DNA-launched immunogens have shown promising immune responses in preclinical studies and are entering early human trials, but reliably inducing broad neutralizing antibodies in people remains a difficult challenge.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiner, David B. — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Weiner, David B.
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 below.