Understanding how to create effective HIV vaccines targeting specific protein regions
Official title: Structural characterization of MPER-TM immunogens
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11062384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at parts of the HIV virus that can help create stronger vaccines, aiming to protect people from HIV by making it easier for the body to fight the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $881,996 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI181597-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for HIV infection or those living with HIV who may benefit from improved vaccine strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression through existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying and characterizing specific regions of the HIV-1 envelope protein that are crucial for eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). By utilizing advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, the project aims to develop mRNA-based chimeric vaccines that can effectively target these vulnerable sites. The goal is to enhance the immunogenicity of the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the HIV-1 protein, which is essential for preventing viral entry into host cells. Patients may benefit from this research through the development of more effective vaccines against HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a more effective HIV vaccine that provides broader protection against various strains of the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar regions of the HIV envelope protein, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinherz, Ellis L — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Reinherz, Ellis L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Helping young people with cancer understand their genetic risks
This study is creating a special program to help teenagers and young adults with hereditary cancer risks learn about their health and make smart choices, while also supporting their families along the way.
-
Core administrative hub for a multifaceted cancer center program
A large, international cancer research program at Dana-Farber aims to advance a curative strategy for multiple myeloma by coordinating translational research, clinical trials, and data analysis.
-
Automated, interactive lab tool to define radiation targets in cancer care
Aims to make it easier and safer to outline the area to treat in radiation therapy for cancers by using smart software and a patient-friendly interface.
-
Cancer Atlas Network data hub to share big cancer data
A national project helps researchers store, harmonize, and share large cancer data collections so doctors and scientists can learn from many patients.
-
Bridge-building cancer research partnership for education, outreach, and science
A joint effort between UMass Boston and Harvard Cancer Consortium to accelerate cancer research and education by connecting lower-resourced institutions with a leading cancer center.
-
NexTGen: Next-Generation T cell therapy for childhood cancers
A charity-friendly overview: researchers at Dana-Farber are developing advanced engineered T-cell therapies to treat pediatric solid cancers like brain tumors and sarcomas.
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.