Nanoscale imaging of HIV Env complexes to improve NK cell antibody therapies
Official title: Nanoscale imaging of cell surface HIV Env immune complexes to optimize NK cell ADCC antibody therapeutics
Funded at San Diego Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11412173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to better understand how HIV envelope immune complexes affect natural killer cell antibody therapies and how to design better antibodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $992,920 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198054-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with HIV infection who could benefit from enhanced antibody therapies and NK cell–mediated clearance.
✕Less likely to help
The study is primarily a preclinical investigation; direct benefits to patients depend on future therapeutic development.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the tiny structures around HIV’s surface influence the ability of antibodies to recruit NK cells to kill infected cells. Researchers will combine advanced imaging with machine learning to map how antibody-streotype and envelope geometry impact ADCC activity. The goal is to guide the design of improved antibody therapies that can better activate NK cells and suppress HIV reservoirs in patients. Results could inform future clinical strategies using antibody-based treatments for HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more effective antibody therapies that help NK cells clear HIV-infected cells.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that antibody structure and geometry can influence NK cell–mediated killing, supporting a potential translational path.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murin, Charles Daniel — San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Murin, Charles Daniel
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.