Improving delivery of antibodies to treat brain infections in infants with HIV
Official title: Improved delivery of bNAbs for targeting CNS infection in infants
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11085596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help babies with HIV by using tiny capsules to deliver special antibodies directly to their brains, which could make their treatment more effective and help prevent serious health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $843,177 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS137919-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under 4 weeks old who are infected with HIV and may be experiencing or at risk for CNS-related complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 4 weeks or those who do not have HIV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to deliver broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to the central nervous system (CNS) of infants infected with HIV. Current treatments are limited in their ability to reach the CNS, where HIV can persist and cause neurological issues. The researchers are using innovative nanotechnology to create nanocapsules that can effectively transport these antibodies across the blood-brain barrier, potentially improving treatment outcomes for affected infants. By targeting the unique challenges of CNS infection, this research aims to enhance the effectiveness of HIV therapies in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for infants with HIV, reducing neurological complications and improving their overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanotechnology for drug delivery, but this specific approach targeting CNS infection in infants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wen, Jing — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wen, Jing
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.