Dual germline-targeting approach to spark diverse anti-CD4-BS antibodies against HIV-1
Official title: Dual germline-targeting strategy to elicit diverse anti-CD4-BS bNAbs against HIV-1
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11471058 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new HIV vaccine strategy aims to trigger the body’s early B cells to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies that could protect against many HIV-1 strains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $220,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203564-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11471058 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for HIV-1 infection could benefit from future vaccines informed by these findings.
✕Less likely to help
This specific grant involves preclinical and translational work and does not enroll patients in trials.
What this research studies
This project uses a prime-boost vaccination approach in models that carry human antibody genes to guide the maturation of B cells toward broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the HIV-1 CD4 binding site. By combining germline-targeting immunogens with additional Env-derived proteins, researchers hope to steer B cell receptors toward diverse bNAbs. The work builds on prior clinical and preclinical findings showing activation of VRC01-class antibodies and a VH1-46-derived class, with the goal of a vaccine that prevents HIV-1 acquisition. The study is conducted at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center under a leadership team experienced in HIV vaccine research and uses transgenic mice to model human B cell responses. The aim is to inform future vaccine designs that elicit durable, broadly protective antibody responses in people at risk of HIV-1 infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could guide the development of a vaccine that elicits broadly protective antibodies against HIV-1 for diverse strains.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown activation of VRC01-class antibodies in preclinical models and in early clinical settings, supporting continued development.
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
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.