How different antibody actions can help block HIV in the body
Impact of Antibody Effector Function Diversity on Antiviral Activity In Situ
The team will find which antibody types and immune cells work best together to prevent or control HIV in people at risk for or living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161529 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on the antibody 'Fc' region—the tail part that calls in immune cells—to see how different antibody types and effector cells act together where infection happens. They will combine data from human samples, animal models, and lab assays to map which antibody subclasses and cell partners produce the strongest antiviral effects in tissues. The program will compare antibody targets, isotypes, Fc receptor interactions, and effector cell contributions to identify combinations that give the best protection. Results will guide the design of better vaccines and antibody-based prevention or treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people living with HIV, individuals at high risk of HIV exposure, and volunteers willing to provide blood or tissue samples for analysis.
Not a fit: People with no HIV risk or those who cannot or will not provide samples or participate in related clinical protocols are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable more effective vaccines and antibody therapies that better prevent or control HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: Prior vaccine and antibody trials have suggested Fc-mediated antibody functions can help protect against HIV, but translating those signals into consistently effective human vaccines or therapies is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomaras, Georgia Doris — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tomaras, Georgia Doris
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.