Stopping immune suppression to improve HIV vaccine protection
Blocking granzyme-mediated immune suppression to enhance HIV vaccine efficacy
The team is working to block a natural immune process that weakens vaccine responses so future HIV vaccines can protect people at risk better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323498 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone interested in HIV prevention, this research looks at how natural killer (NK) cells use enzymes called granzymes to blunt antibody and T cell responses after vaccination. The team studies this mechanism in the lab and in animal models to find ways to stop that suppression during vaccination. They test therapies or vaccine changes that could preserve strong antibody affinity and antiviral T cell function. The ultimate goal is vaccine strategies that create broader and more durable protection against HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any future human trials would be adults at higher risk of HIV exposure who are willing to join vaccine studies.
Not a fit: People already living with chronic HIV infection would not be expected to gain direct preventive benefits from this vaccine-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to HIV vaccines that generate stronger antibodies and T cells and therefore better prevent infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies show NK cells can limit vaccine responses, but blocking granzyme to boost HIV vaccine effectiveness is a relatively new and not yet proven approach in humans.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waggoner, Stephen N. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Waggoner, Stephen N.
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.