Understanding antibodies that fight hepatitis C virus
Official title: Molecular and structural characterization of broadly neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11012816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for special antibodies from people who have beaten hepatitis C to help us understand how to create a vaccine that could protect everyone from the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $780,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI127469-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been infected with hepatitis C and have shown a strong immune response, as well as those with chronic infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with hepatitis C or those who have not responded to previous treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying and characterizing broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that can effectively combat the hepatitis C virus (HCV). By isolating these antibodies from individuals who have successfully cleared HCV, the study aims to understand the genetic and structural features of the virus that allow for effective immune responses. The methodology includes advanced techniques such as monoclonal antibody isolation and B cell receptor sequencing to uncover the mechanisms behind successful antibody responses. This work is crucial for developing a potential vaccine that could provide widespread protection against HCV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of an effective vaccine against hepatitis C, significantly reducing infection rates and improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting similar viral infections, indicating that this approach may yield successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bailey, Justin Richard — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bailey, Justin Richard
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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.