Giving an HIV antibody at the start of treatment to shrink hidden virus and boost immunity
Early interventions at ART initiation to reduce the HIV-1 reservoir and enhance adaptive immune responses
This project tests whether giving a powerful HIV antibody when people begin antiretroviral therapy can help reduce the hidden HIV reservoir and strengthen immune cells in people with recent HIV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11402866 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will study blood and tissue samples from people in the eCLEAR trial who started ART and received an HIV‑targeting broadly neutralizing antibody (3BNC117). They will look closely at how CD8 and other adaptive immune cells change in shape, function, and gene activity after antibody treatment. The team will also study which cells keep carrying HIV and how those reservoir cells differ after antibody plus ART compared with ART alone. Results will be used to design better immune‑based treatments given right when ART is started to try to improve long‑term control of HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people recently diagnosed with HIV who are starting antiretroviral therapy, especially those enrolled in or eligible for the eCLEAR protocol and those whose virus is sensitive to the antibody used.
Not a fit: People with long‑standing, chronic HIV infection, those who start ART late, or those whose virus is not sensitive to the specific broadly neutralizing antibody are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments given at ART start that help the immune system control HIV and reduce the long‑lived hidden reservoir, potentially lowering the need for lifelong therapy.
How similar studies have performed: A prior eCLEAR phase 1b/2a trial found that giving 3BNC117 at ART initiation boosted CD8+ T‑cell responses and allowed viral control in some participants, but the underlying mechanisms are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Betts, Michael R — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Betts, Michael R
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.