mRNA vaccine approach targeting the conserved HIV MPER region
mRNA-based chimeric membrane protein vaccination strategies directed at the MPER
This project develops mRNA vaccines that aim to teach the immune system to make broadly neutralizing antibodies against a hard-to-reach part of the HIV envelope for people at risk of HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307163 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is designing mRNA instructions that tell cells to display a small, conserved piece of the HIV envelope (called the MPER) on their membranes so the immune system can recognize it. They plan to build chimeric membrane proteins and vaccine formulations that mimic how the virus hides this region to train B cells to produce the right antibody shapes. Work will start in the lab and in preclinical models to refine the design and delivery before moving toward clinical testing. The goal is to overcome past problems where vaccine attempts produced antibodies that did not actually target the HIV envelope.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would likely be HIV-negative adults at elevated risk of exposure who are willing to enroll in early vaccine studies.
Not a fit: People who are already living with HIV or those with severely weakened immune systems may not expect direct benefit from this preventive vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a vaccine that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies and substantially improve prevention of HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: mRNA vaccines have worked well for other viruses, but inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV—especially against the MPER—has been difficult and remains largely unproven to date.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Mikyung — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Kim, Mikyung
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.