Testing a new vaccine to improve immune response against HIV
Phase I therapeutic testing of viral-vectored vaccines that shift CD8+ T cell immunodominance to conserved regions of HIV-1
This study is testing a new vaccine to help boost the immune system in people living with HIV, aiming to improve the body's ability to fight the virus and possibly allow them to stop taking their daily medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10665789 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel vaccine regimen designed to enhance the immune response in individuals infected with HIV. The approach focuses on stimulating CD8+ T cells, which play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating virus-infected cells. By using a combination of viral vectors, the study aims to shift the immune response towards more conserved regions of the HIV virus, potentially leading to a functional cure that allows patients to stop lifelong antiretroviral therapy. Participants will be monitored for their immune response and any changes in viral load.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and are interested in exploring potential curative options.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not currently on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a functional cure for HIV, allowing patients to discontinue lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar vaccine approaches in eliciting strong CD8+ T cell responses against HIV.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goonetilleke, Nilu — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Goonetilleke, Nilu
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.