Improving how vectored antibodies fight HIV
Official title: Improving the Innate Activity of Broadly Neutralizing Vectored Antibodies Against HIV
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11553160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests enhanced antibody-based protection against HIV by delivering genes that keep protective antibodies present in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,032,783 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI203781-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11553160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at higher risk for HIV exposure who could benefit from future protective interventions.
✕Less likely to help
People not exposed to HIV or those who do not participate in future trials or related studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores using gene transfer to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV, aiming to strengthen immune protection. Researchers will use lab assays to see how engineered antibodies engage immune cells and effector functions like ADCC and ADCP. The work builds on a platform that may lead to longer-lasting protection against HIV infection. If successful, it could inform new preventive strategies that reduce transmission and infection risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to long-lasting HIV protection strategies for people at risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that antibodies can prevent HIV infection and control viral load in some settings, with ongoing work to enhance their potency and durability.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balazs, Alejandro Benjamin — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Balazs, Alejandro Benjamin
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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.