One-time AAV gene delivery to make HIV-blocking antibodies
Optimizing AAV delivery of bNAbs for HIV prevention
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11228381
A one-time AAV gene treatment aims to turn muscle into a factory that makes HIV-blocking antibodies to help protect people at risk of HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11228381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you were involved, researchers would use a harmless adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver genes into muscle so your body produces broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The team is working on ways to prevent the immune system from clearing those AAV-transduced cells so antibody levels stay high. Much of the work uses animal models (rhesus macaques) to test whether adding immune-checkpoint strategies can boost antibody production. The goal is a long-lasting alternative to repeated antibody infusions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at substantial risk of acquiring HIV (future clinical trials would likely enroll adults at high risk of HIV exposure) would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with strong pre-existing immunity to AAV capsids or certain immune disorders may not benefit or may be excluded from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a long-lasting, one-time approach to keep protective HIV antibodies in the body and reduce the need for repeated antibody injections.
How similar studies have performed: Giving monoclonal antibodies by infusion has shown promise for preventing HIV, but AAV-based delivery to produce antibodies in the body has been experimental and faced immune-related setbacks in animal studies.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GARDNER, MATTHEW RYAN — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GARDNER, MATTHEW RYAN
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.