Stronger broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV's fusion peptide
Potent broadly neutralizing antibody development against the HIV-1 fusion peptide epitope
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11143846
The team is engineering more powerful antibodies that target a key part of HIV to help people at risk of or living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143846 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists are trying to make antibodies that can block many different HIV strains by focusing on the virus's fusion peptide. They will change antibody genes in the lab and use a high-throughput single-cell droplet screening method to find versions that neutralize the virus most effectively. The project uses directed evolution and precision mutation scanning to identify the specific changes that increase antibody strength and breadth. Findings will guide improved antibody therapies and vaccine designs aimed at preventing infection or helping people already living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people living with HIV or volunteers willing to donate blood samples or join future antibody or vaccine trials.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical benefit or those unable to provide samples or travel to participating sites are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this primarily laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce stronger antibody treatments and inform vaccines that better prevent or control HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: Other broadly neutralizing antibody programs have shown promise in lab studies and early clinical work, but fusion peptide-directed antibodies are a newer approach that still needs improved breadth and potency.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEKOSKY, BRANDON JAMES — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: DEKOSKY, BRANDON JAMES
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 Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus