Investigating how specific immune cells help produce antibodies against HIV
Official title: Fusion peptide specific B cell responses and the role of follicular T cells in accelerated antibody maturation
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11062310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help make powerful antibodies against HIV, using samples from people in clinical trials, to find ways to speed up the process of creating effective vaccines for HIV.
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) | $386,487 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI181044-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of HIV infection or those who are HIV-positive and seeking improved treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who are not interested in participating in vaccine-related studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain immune cells, particularly follicular T cells, contribute to the production of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV. By examining human samples from clinical trials, the study aims to identify specific genetic variants in the HIV virus that can enhance the effectiveness of these antibodies. The goal is to accelerate the maturation process of bNAbs, which is crucial for developing effective vaccines against HIV. The research will explore the roles of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in supporting B cell responses to improve antibody production.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective HIV vaccines that enhance the body's ability to produce protective antibodies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing antibody responses through targeted immune cell interactions, indicating that this approach may yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brander, Christian — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Brander, Christian
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.