How B cells spot HIV and get activated
Antigen recognition and activation of HIV-specific B cell antigen receptors
This work aims to learn how certain immune cells recognize HIV so future vaccines can better teach the body to make broadly protective antibodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159784 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I want to understand how B cells detect HIV and begin making powerful antibodies. Scientists are measuring how fast HIV pieces bind to B cell receptors and how those binding events change receptor organization on the cell surface. They use lab-grown B cell lines, purified receptor complexes, and engineered ‘knock-in’ mice that carry early human antibody versions to see which interactions lead to helpful mutations after immunizations. The team combines biophysical measurements and structural studies with immunizations in mouse models to map steps that produce broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients directly, but people living with or at risk for HIV could be relevant participants in future vaccine trials that build on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory and animal research focused on early vaccine design.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide vaccine designs that more reliably trigger broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies by this group and others have shown that antibody binding kinetics influence B cell activation, but turning those insights into an effective HIV vaccine remains an ongoing challenge.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alam, S. Munir — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Alam, S. Munir
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.