Improving HIV vaccine design to stimulate effective immune responses

Optimizing glycan shield coverage, germline B cell receptor binding and epitope diversity of V2-apex targeted HIV-1 Env immunogens

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10805651

This study is working on improving HIV vaccines to help your body make stronger antibodies that can fight the virus, using special techniques to find and target parts of the virus that make this harder, and testing these ideas in monkeys to find better ways to protect against HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10805651 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the design of HIV vaccines to better stimulate the immune system's production of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). The team is utilizing advanced bioinformatics to identify and mask regions of the virus that hinder bNAb development, while also creating immunogens that target specific B cell receptors. By studying the immune responses in rhesus macaques infected with various strains of the virus, the researchers aim to refine vaccine strategies that could lead to more effective protection against HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for HIV infection who may benefit from improved vaccine strategies.

Not a fit: Patients who are already HIV positive or those who have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccine components may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a more effective HIV vaccine that provides better protection against the virus.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches to vaccine design, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.