HIV vaccine approach to trigger VRC01-class broadly neutralizing antibodies
Core-002
This project uses self-amplifying mRNA vaccines to try to start VRC01-class broadly neutralizing antibody responses in people to help prevent HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242068 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a prime-boost vaccine regimen delivered as self-amplifying mRNA that encodes germline-targeting HIV envelope immunogens designed to kick-start the right B cells. The prime (426c.Mod.Core) and boost (HxB2.WT.Core) are delivered either as secreted nanoparticles or as membrane-anchored forms to compare which format better initiates VRC01-class responses. Study staff will collect blood and antibody samples over time to track B cell maturation and isolate antibodies for detailed structural studies to see where they bind the virus. The project supplies high-quality reagents and compares the mRNA approach to prior recombinant Env immunogens to learn which methods best guide antibody development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Healthy adults without HIV who meet eligibility for an experimental preventive HIV vaccine trial and can attend clinic visits (likely at or near Seattle) would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with active HIV infection or those who are severely immunocompromised are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preventive vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to vaccines that reliably elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies that protect people from HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: Germline-targeting immunogens have prompted desired B-cell activation in lab and animal studies and some early human work, but using self-amplifying mRNA for this goal in humans is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stamatatos, Leonidas — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Stamatatos, Leonidas
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.