How a CMV-based vaccine triggers blood signals linked to stopping an HIV-like infection
Project 1: Systemic analysis of the origin and tissue effects of the 68-1 RhCMV/SIV vaccine efficacy-predictive whole blood transcriptomic signature
A CMV-based vaccine is given to monkeys to see whether it turns on blood immune signals that predict strong protection against an HIV-like virus and could guide future human vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164776 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers vaccinate rhesus macaques with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vector carrying SIV components and track which animals stop and clear the virus. They take whole-blood samples and measure gene-expression signatures, focusing on an IL-15–related signal that correlates with protection and on MHC-E–restricted CD8+ T cells. The team will map where the protective blood signals come from in the body and how they affect tissues and immune cells. Findings are intended to reveal mechanisms that could be used to design vaccines that trigger similar protection in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This specific project does not enroll people; however, future human vaccine trials informed by these results would likely recruit adults at risk for HIV exposure.
Not a fit: People will not receive direct benefit from this preclinical animal and lab-focused project, including those already on stable HIV treatment or not at risk for HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide development of vaccines that stop HIV infection early and might help the immune system clear it.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work with the same RhCMV/SIV vaccine in rhesus macaques showed about 59% of vaccinated animals intercepted and subsequently cleared early SIV infection, demonstrating promising preclinical efficacy.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Picker, Louis J. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Picker, Louis 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 below.