Editing B cells with tailored AAV vectors to make lasting HIV-fighting antibodies
In Vivo Gene Editing of B cells with NICE-AAV Vectors
['FUNDING_R01'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11237608
This work aims to use engineered viral vectors to deliver gene editors into B cells so they can produce long-lasting HIV-neutralizing proteins for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11237608 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have HIV, this research tries to reprogram your own B cells to permanently make broadly neutralizing antibodies or similar antiviral proteins by delivering gene-editing tools with specially designed AAV vectors. The team screened many AAV variants in nonhuman primates to find ones that specifically target B cells and avoid immune detection, and plans to package CRISPR-Cas9 machinery to insert antibody genes into those cells. The goal is durable antibody expression without repeated injections or continuous antiretroviral therapy. Early work is in animals and lab models while the methods are refined toward safe human use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults living with HIV who meet safety criteria for gene-therapy trials and are willing to undergo close monitoring.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those with medical conditions that contraindicate gene therapy, or individuals unwilling to accept gene-editing risks would not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a one-time or long-lasting way for the body to produce HIV-neutralizing proteins, potentially enabling ART-free remission or a functional cure.
How similar studies have performed: AAV-based delivery of antiviral antibodies has protected animals and shown some early human data but has been limited by immune reactions and durability, so this B-cell–targeting, gene-editing approach is a novel attempt to overcome those issues.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PETERSON, CHRISTOPHER W — FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- Study coordinator: PETERSON, CHRISTOPHER W
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus