Enhanced NK cell strategies to target HIV reservoirs
Official title: Enhanced NK cell-based targeting of HIV reservoirs through engagers and ADCC Engineering
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11337851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to boost the body’s natural killer cells to better destroy HIV-infected cells during antiretroviral therapy using special antibodies and engineered immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $889,101 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198150-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy who have persistent reservoirs and are available for immune-based interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for NK cell–based therapies or with contraindications to immune-engaging approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests new antibody-based approaches that recruit NK cells to kill HIV-infected cells more effectively. It uses bi-specific and tri-specific antibodies, plus engineered NK cells, to strengthen antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against actively replicating HIV. The work includes optimizing antibody formats and loading strategies to sustain NK cell engagement and antiviral activity. The study plans to compare soluble versus cell-loaded engagers to see which approach best reduces HIV reservoirs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reduce HIV reservoirs and improve the effectiveness of ART by helping the immune system clear infected cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar strategies with BNAbs and NK cell engagement have shown promise in preclinical models and early trials, but human efficacy remains to be proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montaner, Luis J — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Montaner, Luis J
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.