Long-term HIV antibody therapy by targeting B cells with a gene therapy vector
Official title: Regulated, Long-Term Expression of Anti-HIV Antibodies via B Cell Receptor-Targeted Lentiviral Transduction
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11537080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A gene therapy approach aims to get a patient’s own B cells to continuously make HIV-fighting antibodies to control the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $5,927,367 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI200582-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11537080 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV-1 infection who are candidates for antibody-based therapy and have no contraindicating immune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe immune disorders or who cannot tolerate gene therapy delivery may not benefit.
What this research studies
This projectRecharge proposes delivering a lentiviral vector that specifically targets B cells to produce and secrete anti-HIV antibodies over a long period, potentially reducing the need for repeated injections. It uses methods to guide transduction to B cells so that the body can tolerate the new antibody production. The study will test safety and effectiveness in models and early-stage human applications to see if durable antibody levels can be achieved without immune rejection. Overall, the goal is a lasting, self-sustaining antibody response that helps suppress HIV-1 in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could maintain therapeutic antibody levels with fewer treatments and better viral control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for B-cell targeting and long-term antibody production, but this exact approach is being tested for durability and safety in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morizono, Koki — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Morizono, Koki
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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.