Improving HIV vaccine effectiveness by blocking immune suppression
Official title: Blocking granzyme-mediated immune suppression to enhance HIV vaccine efficacy
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11014411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make HIV vaccines work better by figuring out how certain immune cells, called natural killer cells, can sometimes hold back the body's immune response, and it’s for anyone interested in improving HIV vaccine effectiveness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $556,715 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176519-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of HIV infection who may benefit from improved vaccination strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already living with HIV and are not seeking vaccination may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of HIV vaccines by addressing the immune suppression caused by natural killer (NK) cells. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which NK cells inhibit the immune response, particularly the production of neutralizing antibodies and the activation of T cells. By developing strategies to block this suppression, the research seeks to improve the quality and quantity of immune responses triggered by vaccines, ultimately aiming to create a more effective HIV vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a more effective HIV vaccine, significantly reducing new infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing vaccine responses by targeting immune suppression, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
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Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waggoner, Stephen N. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Waggoner, Stephen N.
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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.