Improving B cells to better control HIV
Official title: Engineering B cells for enhanced HIV control
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11009399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a way to help your body's B cells make special antibodies that can fight HIV better, using a technique called CRISPR to give them a boost, so they can work more effectively even when T cells are not as supportive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI186662-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have advanced stages of the disease with no viable immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the ability of B cells to produce antibodies that can effectively control HIV. By using CRISPR gene editing, the researchers aim to engineer B cells to secrete custom antibodies known as broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). These engineered B cells could act as living drugs, responding to HIV and providing a more effective immune response. The project also seeks to address the challenges faced by B cells in individuals living with HIV, particularly their need for support from T cells to function properly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel therapy that significantly improves the immune response against HIV in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using gene editing and engineered immune cells for various conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathur, Atishay — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Mathur, Atishay
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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.