Understanding how gut bacteria influence HIV vaccine responses in infants

Project 2: Microbial determinants of HIV broadly-neutralizing antibody precursor induction in infants

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11059134

This study is looking at how the bacteria in babies' guts might help their immune systems respond better to an HIV vaccine, with the hope of finding ways to make the vaccine more effective for young children.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059134 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the microbiome, or gut bacteria, affects the immune response to HIV vaccines in infants. By examining the relationship between specific bacterial populations and the production of protective antibodies, the study aims to identify factors that enhance vaccine efficacy. The approach includes analyzing the immune responses of infants receiving a novel HIV vaccine designed to stimulate broadly neutralizing antibodies. The goal is to improve vaccine strategies to better protect young individuals from HIV infection.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who are at risk of HIV infection.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 21 years or those who are not at risk for HIV infection may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective HIV vaccines for infants, significantly reducing the risk of HIV infection in young populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using microbiome modulation to enhance vaccine responses, indicating that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.