Improving HIV vaccines by changing the vaccine dose
Official title: Enhancing HIV-1 vaccines by altering vaccine dose
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11118314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether giving a low dose of HIV vaccine followed by a regular dose can boost the immune response in people, and it’s testing different types of vaccines to find the best way to make them work better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $498,659 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI187084-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at risk for HIV or those interested in participating in vaccine trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already HIV positive or those who have contraindications to vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how altering the dose of HIV vaccines can enhance the immune response in patients. It focuses on using a low dose of vaccine followed by a standard dose to see if this approach can generate stronger immunity against HIV. The study will evaluate different vaccine platforms, including Ad26 and mRNA-based vaccines, to determine if this method can improve their effectiveness. By testing these strategies in mice first, the researchers aim to find the best way to develop more effective vaccines for humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective HIV vaccines that provide better protection against the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar vaccine dose alteration strategies, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Penaloza, Pablo — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Penaloza, Pablo
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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.