How different antibodies and their structure help block HIV

Structure-Function Analytics Core

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11161535

This project looks at how various antibody types and their parts help stop HIV in people and in rhesus monkeys.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11161535 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you take part, researchers may compare antibody activity in blood and tissue from people and from rhesus macaques to understand how antibodies block HIV. They focus on different antibody types, how antibodies bind viral targets, how immune complexes are built, and how Fc receptors on immune cells drive antiviral actions. The core uses advanced lab analyses and comparative work with animal models and human samples to map these structure–function relationships. Findings are used to guide better vaccine, antibody therapy, and cure strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with HIV, people at risk for HIV, or volunteers in vaccine or antibody trials who can give blood or tissue samples.

Not a fit: People who are not affected by HIV and do not participate in related trials are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help design stronger antibody-based vaccines and therapies to prevent or control HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown antibody Fc-mediated functions can reduce HIV viral load and block infection, and this program builds on those findings by mapping detailed mechanisms and species differences.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.