Germline-targeted HIV vaccines using membrane liposome tech to trigger bnAbs
Official title: Germline-Targeted Vaccines Using Membrane Env Liposomes to Elicit HIV-1 MPER bnAbs
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11553312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new HIV vaccine approach aims to spark broadly neutralizing antibodies by showing MPER on membranes, tested in models and early studies to guide future human trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,097,774 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI203658-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11553312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Any future human trials would involve people at risk for HIV who are eligible for vaccine studies after safety and efficacy in preclinical work.
✕Less likely to help
This specific grant focuses on preclinical development; individuals not participating in future trials would not receive a direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses membrane Env liposomes to present the MPER region of HIV’s envelope in a membrane context, with the goal of eliciting bnAbs in animal models that resemble those seen in some people living with HIV. Researchers have shown preliminary bnAb responses in mice engineered to resemble human antibodies and are exploring how different MPER regions interact with the immune system. The work builds on prior clinical findings and advances in vaccine platforms to improve the chances that a future vaccine will neutralize diverse HIV strains. The grant supports the next phase of development toward translating these findings into potential human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to an HIV vaccine capable of eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies across diverse viral strains.
How similar studies have gone: Previous MPER-focused approaches have had limited bnAb responses, but membrane-context platforms and germline-targeting strategies show promise for stronger, broader protection.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zwick, Michael B — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Zwick, Michael B
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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.