Targeting HIV's sugar coat to boost helper T cells and make stronger antibodies
Glycopeptide-specific helper T cells eliciting protective humoral immunity against HIV - Resubmission
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11290296
This effort tries to train certain helper immune cells to recognize the sugary shield on HIV so people can produce stronger, longer-lasting antibodies to prevent infection.
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-11290296 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will look for human CD4+ T cells that specifically recognize the sugar (glycan) pieces on HIV's envelope protein gp120 and map the exact glycan parts those cells see. They will use those glycan targets to design vaccine components intended to recruit these carbohydrate-specific helper T cells (Tcarbs). The vaccine candidates will be tested in the lab and in preclinical models to see if they produce T cell memory and help B cells make high-affinity, potentially protective antibodies. Successful lab results would guide the design of future human vaccine trials aiming to prevent HIV infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In eventual clinical testing, ideal candidates would likely be healthy adults at risk for HIV exposure who are eligible for preventive vaccine trials.
Not a fit: People living with advanced HIV disease or those with severe immune suppression may not benefit from a preventive vaccine approach during this research phase.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could produce vaccines that trigger stronger and longer-lasting antibody protection against HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous HIV vaccine efforts focusing on antibodies have had limited success, and targeting helper T cells that recognize viral glycans is a relatively new and unproven strategy.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AVCI, FIKRI Y — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: AVCI, FIKRI Y
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