Rectal immunization to block HIV at the mucosal entry point
Intrarectal Immunization for a Barrier to Mucosal HIV Infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11294185
Aiming to create long-lasting immune defenses in the rectal lining to help prevent HIV infection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294185 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project develops a rectal vaccine approach that places HIV antigens at mucosal sites so local immune cells stay 'on alert.' The team uses epithelial stem cells as a long-lasting, non-producing source of antigen while their short-lived offspring display the antigen to the immune system. The goal is to generate both local mucosal immunity to stop the virus at the entry site and systemic responses as a backup. Most work appears preclinical with animal models and laboratory studies focused on whether this delivery strategy produces durable protective responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk of HIV exposure through receptive anal sex or other rectal exposures would be the likely target population for this approach.
Not a fit: People already living with HIV or those whose primary exposure risk is not rectal (for example only vaginal exposure) would be unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could stop HIV at the site of exposure and offer longer-lasting protection than current strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Mucosal vaccine strategies have shown promise in animal studies but HIV vaccine efforts in humans have so far had limited success, so this approach is promising but still largely untested in people.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GAUDUIN, MARIE-CLAIRE ELISABETH — TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: GAUDUIN, MARIE-CLAIRE ELISABETH
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus