Improving HIV vaccine effectiveness by targeting specific immune cells
Official title: Strategies for targeting T follicular helper cells to improve HIV Env vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11062312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new HIV vaccine designed to boost your immune response by focusing on special immune cells, using cutting-edge delivery methods, and aims to provide better protection against HIV for people like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $942,815 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI181044-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for HIV infection or those living with HIV who may benefit from enhanced vaccine strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression with existing treatments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of an HIV vaccine by specifically targeting T follicular helper cells and T follicular cytotoxic cells. The approach involves using advanced immunogens and unique adjuvants to stimulate strong immune responses, particularly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The vaccine will be delivered through innovative methods, including mRNA and adenovectors, to ensure optimal immune activation both systemically and at mucosal sites. Patients may benefit from improved vaccine responses that could lead to better protection against HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective HIV vaccine, providing better protection for individuals at risk of HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune cells for vaccine enhancement, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in HIV vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sparger, Ellen Elizabeth — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Sparger, Ellen Elizabeth
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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.