How anti-HIV antibodies block virus spread at mucosal entry sites

Antiviral Activity In Situ

['FUNDING_P01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11161545

This project looks at how different anti-HIV antibodies help immune cells stop the virus early on, to better protect people at risk of HIV.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11161545 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will compare different types of anti-HIV antibodies and how they interact with Fc receptors on immune cells to trigger killing or uptake of virus-infected cells. They will study immune cells in blood and mucosal tissues, using samples from humans and non-human primates, to map where protective responses occur. Lab analyses will focus on tissue-resident natural killer cells and other FcR-bearing cells to see which responses block early HIV replication. The team will link specific antibody subclasses and tissue locations to antiviral activity at the sites where HIV first takes hold.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people at risk for HIV exposure, participants in vaccine or antibody trials, or volunteers willing to donate blood and mucosal tissue samples.

Not a fit: People with long-standing, well-controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy are less likely to receive direct benefit from findings focused on early infection and prevention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide vaccines or antibody treatments that better block HIV transmission at the site of exposure.

How similar studies have performed: Prior human and primate work has linked ADCC and phagocytosis with protection, but the precise tissue-level mechanisms and effects of antibody subclasses remain largely unproven.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.