Ultrasensitive antibody-detection method to screen HIV-bNAbs
Official title: Ultrasensitive Env Detection Assay for Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Screening
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11518078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, ultra-sensitive test will help identify which broadly neutralizing antibodies can best block HIV-1 in people, by quickly checking how well these antibodies interact with the virus in patient-derived samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | April 12, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $676,018 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AI176582-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11518078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV-1 whose samples can be used for testing in research settings.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or patients whose samples are not available for this assay may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a faster, highly sensitive assay that indirectly gauges how well antibodies can neutralize HIV-1, using cell lysates and patient-derived samples. Researchers will optimize antibodies and detection methods, test them in plasma and lysates, and measure precision to ensure reliable results. The goal is to improve how quickly and accurately we can identify promising antibody therapies for people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the assay could speed up the selection of effective antibody therapies for HIV-1, potentially improving trial design and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior ultra-sensitive p24 detection methods have been validated in ex vivo cells from people with HIV, supporting potential usefulness of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lynch, Rebecca Marie — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lynch, Rebecca Marie
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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.