Understanding how the body fights HIV-1

Neutralization of primary HIV-1 viruses

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11085942

This work explores how the body's immune system can create powerful antibodies to protect against or treat HIV-1 infection.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11085942 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are looking into how special antibodies, called broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), bind to the HIV-1 virus. These bNAbs are very good at stopping the virus, and we want to understand how they develop in people and animals. Our goal is to find new ways to help the body make these protective antibodies through vaccination. We are also creating new models that mimic the HIV-1 virus to better study how these antibodies work.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the development of future HIV-1 vaccines or antibody therapies.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for HIV-1 infection would not directly benefit from this early-stage research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new vaccines or antibody-based treatments that can prevent, control, or even help cure HIV-1 infection.

How similar studies have performed: While passive immunization with bNAbs shows promise, actively stimulating the body to produce these antibodies through vaccination remains a significant challenge that this work aims to address.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 SyndromeAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired 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.