Understanding the MPER piece of HIV’s envelope for better vaccines
Structural characterization of MPER-TM immunogens
Researchers are designing vaccine pieces to teach the immune system to make broadly protective antibodies against many strains of HIV.
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 ID | NIH-11307166 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists are focusing on a small but important part of the HIV envelope called the MPER that is hidden in the virus membrane and is hard for the immune system to see. They use detailed imaging (cryo-EM), computer simulations, and lab experiments to map MPER’s shape and how it sits in membranes. The team is building mRNA-based chimeric vaccine pieces that present MPER in a more stable, exposed way to try to trigger broadly neutralizing antibodies. These designs will first be tested in laboratory models and preclinical systems before any future human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for HIV infection would be the most likely candidates for any future vaccine trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People already living with uncontrolled HIV or those not eligible for vaccine trials would not expect direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help produce an HIV vaccine that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies and protects against many viral strains.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has identified MPER-targeting antibodies and has struggled to reliably induce them with vaccines, so this approach builds on promising basic findings but remains largely unproven in producing broadly neutralizing responses.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinherz, Ellis L — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Reinherz, Ellis L
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 below.