Investigating how IgA antibodies can block HIV-1 infection
Characterization of HIV-1 IgA bNAbs and ADCP function
This study is looking at how certain antibodies, called IgA, can help stop HIV-1 from entering the body, especially at the places where the virus usually gets in, and it aims to find new ways to use these antibodies to prevent HIV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290981 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of IgA antibodies in preventing HIV-1 infection, particularly at mucosal surfaces where the virus typically enters the body. By using a novel platform to analyze memory B cells, the researchers aim to isolate broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that are specific to HIV-1 and can switch between IgG and IgA forms. The study will also evaluate the effectiveness of these IgA antibodies in neutralizing the virus and eliminating infected cells through a process called antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for HIV prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV-1 who have a strong immune response and can provide IgA+ B cells for analysis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those who do not produce IgA antibodies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new method for preventing HIV-1 infection using IgA antibodies.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on IgG antibodies for HIV prevention, this approach focusing on IgA antibodies is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Xueling — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wu, Xueling
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 below.