MEPCS vaccine to block SIV/HIV transmission in at-risk groups
Official title: MEPCS (Multi-epitope protease cleavage sites) vaccine for protecting against SIV rectal transmission
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11404019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new vaccine approach uses a multi-epitope design to train the immune system to block HIV-like viruses at the point of exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $616,494 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181671-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for HIV exposure, particularly in regions with diverse HIV subtypes, would be eligible for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People not at risk for HIV exposure or who do not participate in vaccine trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a vaccine that teaches the body to recognize essential parts of the virus across subtypes, using a single-mechanism vaccine delivered in a stable, easy-to-administer form. It builds on prior results in macaques showing protection against a simian HIV-like virus and focuses on improving how the immune targets are presented to the body. The study will centrally develop a MEPCS vaccine using an mRNA-LNP platform and a viral vector to maximize immune responses and practicality in real-world settings. If successful, the approach could contribute to a broadly protective HIV vaccine that is accessible globally.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could reduce HIV transmission and help end the HIV pandemic by providing broad protection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous non-human primate data showed strong protection with PCS-targeted vaccines, supporting further development in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Qingsheng — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Li, Qingsheng
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.