How virus and antibody changes in monkeys help guide HIV vaccine design
Env-Ab coevolution in SHIV infected RMs leading to V3 glycan bNAbs
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11294156
Researchers are infecting monkeys with HIV-like viruses to learn how broad HIV-fighting antibodies form so vaccines can be designed to protect people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294156 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project infects rhesus macaques with engineered SHIV viruses carrying human HIV envelope proteins and follows how the virus and B cells change together over time. The team tracks which viral envelope variants trigger broadly neutralizing antibodies, with a focus on V3 glycan–targeting responses. They identified CH848 and BG505.N332 Envs as consistent triggers of V3 glycan bNAbs and are testing engineered changes (for example shortening V1) to see how those changes shape antibody development. The goal is to use these coevolution patterns as a molecular guide for designing vaccine immunogens that could prompt similar responses in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future trial candidates would likely be adults at risk for HIV who qualify for preventive vaccine studies.
Not a fit: People already living with chronic, treated HIV infection are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this prevention-focused vaccine research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide vaccines that teach the immune system to make broadly neutralizing antibodies and help prevent HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: Prior SHIV work has produced broadly neutralizing antibodies in some macaques, and this group has shown certain Envs (CH848, BG505.N332) reliably elicit V3-glycan bNAbs, but moving these findings into effective human vaccines remains early-stage.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHAW, GEORGE M — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: SHAW, GEORGE M
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.