Engineered B cells to fight HIV in non-human primates
Official title: In vivo modeling of IgH-reprogrammed B cells in non-human primates
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11404866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a way to reprogram a person’s own B cells so they can consistently produce anti-HIV antibodies in rhesus macaques, with the goal of moving toward a patient-friendly therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $710,722 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL183482-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404866 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who could benefit from durable antibody-based therapies and are eligible for future autologous cell therapy development.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not respond to B cell–based therapies or cannot undergo autologous cell manipulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to translate prior mouse studies into a large-animal model by editing macaque B cells to express anti-HIV antibodies and then reintroducing them to the donor to provoke durable antibody responses. It uses ex vivo editing of B cells, autologous infusion, and targeted vaccination to encourage memory and long-lasting protection. The work focuses on creating a potential cell-based therapy that could be developed for people living with HIV who need durable antibody responses. Outcomes will inform how to achieve sustained antibody titers and effective B cell memory in vivo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to a new, durable cell-based therapy for HIV involving engineered B cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mouse studies showed durable antibody responses but short-lived titers; translating to macaques is a critical next step and could validate a path toward human use.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joyner, Chester J. — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Joyner, Chester J.
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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.