Using AAV to make anti‑HIV antibodies that protect mucosal tissues
Vectored delivery of anti-HIV antibodies for mucosal protection
This project uses a harmless viral delivery system to put genes into the body so it can make anti‑HIV antibodies that may protect mucosal sites where HIV often enters.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309109 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team plans to use adeno‑associated virus (AAV) as a one‑time delivery vehicle to carry genes that produce known broadly neutralizing anti‑HIV antibodies inside the body. Instead of repeated antibody injections, the body would continuously make the antibodies for a long period. Researchers are focusing on polymeric antibodies like IgA and IgM because they work well at mucosal surfaces such as genital and rectal tissues. The work builds on promising animal studies and early human AAV trials to measure how much antibody reaches mucosal entry points and how durable the protection might be.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults at ongoing risk of sexual HIV exposure who are eligible and willing to join a gene‑delivery prevention trial.
Not a fit: People already living with HIV are unlikely to benefit from this preventive antibody delivery approach, and some groups (for example pregnant women or severely immunocompromised individuals) may be excluded from early trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide long‑lasting mucosal protection against HIV with a single or limited number of treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and early human AAV trials delivering IgG antibodies have shown safety and sustained expression, but delivering polymeric IgA/IgM for mucosal protection in humans is novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez-Navio, Jose Maria — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Martinez-Navio, Jose Maria
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.