How special antibodies grab the sugary coat of HIV
Structural characterization of Fab-dimerized glycan-reactive antibodies that neutralize HIV-1
Researchers are looking at how unique antibodies attach to the sugary outer layer of HIV (and some coronaviruses) to help guide better vaccines and antibody treatments for people affected by these viruses.
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-11169686 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists will study the shapes and binding patterns of Fab-dimerized, glycan-reactive antibodies that can neutralize HIV-1. They will compare how different ways the antibody arms pair up (for example via disulfide links or other contacts) and map how those paired arms latch onto clusters of sugar molecules on the virus surface. The team will use detailed structural and lab-based tests to see why some antibodies bind more strongly and how B cells make these responses. Some of the antibodies also recognize a sugar cluster on the SARS-CoV-2 spike, which may offer broader insights across viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV or individuals who can donate blood or antibody-containing samples (including recovered COVID-19 patients in related parts of the work) would be the most likely candidates to contribute samples or participate in linked studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or those who cannot provide samples are unlikely to see direct personal benefit from this laboratory-focused research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could inform new vaccine designs or antibody therapies that better target the sugar shield of HIV and possibly related viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier discoveries like the 2G12 broadly neutralizing antibody show that targeting the glycan shield can work, but the newly described Fab-dimerized antibodies and their binding mechanisms are still novel and being defined.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acharya, Priyamvada — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Acharya, Priyamvada
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.