Nanobodies to help clear HBV surface antigen and restore immunity
Official title: Nanobodies for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11391645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, targeted antibody therapy using nanobodies is being explored to lower hepatitis B surface antigen in people with chronic HBV, with the goal of helping the immune system clear the infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $237,235 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI197517-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with chronic HBV infection who have persistent surface antigen and immune exhaustion may be eligible in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without chronic HBV or those who do not have circulating HBsAg may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops nanobody-based therapies derived from camelid antibodies to specifically bind and reduce circulating HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B patients. It uses an established phage display platform to identify candidates with strong binding to HBsAg and characterizes them with ELISA and binding assays to ensure they attach tightly to the virus component. By lowering HBsAg, the approach aims to relieve immune exhaustion and move toward durable viral control. The study is in early stages and focuses on proof-of-concept and preclinical readiness for future human testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable the immune system to fight HBV more effectively and move patients closer to a functional cure.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows promise with antigen-targeting antibodies, but nanobody-based strategies for HBsAg are emerging and require demonstration of safety and efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tafesse, Fikadu G. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Tafesse, Fikadu G.
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HBV immune responses in functional cure and therapies guided by CD4 T cells and B cells
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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.