Long-lasting HIV prevention with targeted nanoparticles
Improved Nanoparticle Targeting of Tissue Myeloid Cells for HIV-1 Long-acting Pre-exposure Prophylaxis
This project develops a long-lasting injectable nanoparticle that aims to protect people at risk of HIV who struggle with daily pills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310017 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers plan to create membrane-wrapped nanoparticles that carry HIV drugs and lodge in immune cells in the female genital tract and rectum to act as slow-release drug depots. The nanoparticles include a molecule called GM3 to bind CD169-expressing macrophages and dendritic cells so the particles are taken up and stored in compartments that hold drugs for longer. The goal is to keep protective drug levels at the main sites where sexual transmission happens for months after a single injection. Most work will be done in laboratory and tissue models to test whether this targeting approach can sustain drug release and block virus entry.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people at risk of sexual exposure to HIV—especially those seeking protection at vaginal or rectal sites and who have difficulty taking daily oral PrEP.
Not a fit: People living with HIV who need treatment rather than prevention, and individuals not at risk of sexual HIV exposure, would not benefit from this prevention-focused approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a multi-month PrEP option that reduces the need for daily pills and improves protection for people who struggle with adherence.
How similar studies have performed: Long-acting injectable PrEP (for example, cabotegravir) has shown effectiveness in humans, but this specific nanoparticle targeting strategy is novel and has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinhard, Bjoern Markus — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Reinhard, Bjoern Markus
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.