Engineered antibodies that expose HIV to help the immune system clear infected cells
A new strategy to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells by unlocking the Env trimer
['FUNDING_R01'] · HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED · NIH-11144597
This work makes specially designed antibodies that reveal and mark HIV-infected cells so the body's immune cells can better kill them, with the goal of shrinking the hidden virus in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BETHESDA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144597 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are engineering antibodies that bind to parts of the HIV envelope that only appear when the virus interacts with the CD4 receptor, creating Ab–CD4 hybrid molecules to expose those sites. They will test these engineered antibodies on infected primary CD4+ cells and use plasma from people with HIV to see if the antibodies boost antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Lab tests include in vitro and ex vivo experiments using real patient-derived cells and virus isolates to measure how well infected cells are eliminated. The team builds on earlier promising lab results showing their lead hybrids can clear cells infected with primary HIV-1 strains.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV-1, particularly those on antiretroviral therapy who are interested in antibody-based cure strategies or donating samples for research, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without HIV would not benefit, and individuals whose virus lacks the targeted envelope features or who cannot receive antibody therapies may not see benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help reduce or eliminate reservoirs of HIV-infected cells, moving closer to durable remission or a cure.
How similar studies have performed: Broadly neutralizing antibodies have shown some clinical promise, but targeting CD4-induced Env sites with engineered Ab–CD4 hybrids is a newer tactic with promising in vitro and ex vivo results from this team.
Where this research is happening
BETHESDA, UNITED STATES
- HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED — BETHESDA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PAZGIER, MARZENA ELZBIETA — HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED
- Study coordinator: PAZGIER, MARZENA ELZBIETA
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