Exploring how the Notch pathway can improve vaccine design against HIV
Official title: The Notch Pathway in Antigen Design
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10909829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help your immune system create stronger antibodies against tricky viruses like HIV by using special nanoparticles, and it's designed for anyone interested in better vaccines for these kinds of infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $207,772 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174069-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for HIV or those living with HIV who may benefit from improved vaccination strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who have already developed effective immunity against the virus may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates innovative vaccination strategies aimed at generating antibodies that effectively target specific parts of complex viruses like HIV. The approach focuses on enhancing the immune response by simultaneously activating B cell receptors and the Notch2 receptor, which may lead to a more robust production of antibodies. By creating unique nanoparticles that mimic HIV antigens, the study aims to determine if this dual engagement can better prime both naïve and memory B cells for a stronger immune response. The findings could provide valuable insights into developing more effective vaccines for mutating viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against HIV, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the incidence of AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance vaccine efficacy, indicating that this strategy may build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allman, David M — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Allman, David M
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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.