Using drugs to prevent immune responses to HIV treatments delivered by gene therapy
Official title: Immunomodulatory drug interventions for the prevention of host immune responses toward AAV-delivered anti-HIV antibodies
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11085522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make gene therapy for HIV work better by using a special virus to deliver helpful antibodies, and it will test if certain medications can help the body accept this treatment without fighting it, using rhesus monkeys to see how well it works before helping people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $257,429 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OD037752-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals living with HIV who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have already developed significant immune responses to AAV treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of gene therapy for HIV by using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver broadly neutralizing antibodies. The approach involves administering a combination of immunomodulatory drugs to prevent the immune system from reacting negatively to the AAV-delivered antibodies. The study will involve rhesus monkeys to assess the impact of these drugs on inducing tolerance to the treatment. If successful, this could lead to improved long-term treatment options for HIV patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and long-lasting treatments for HIV, reducing the need for frequent medication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunomodulatory drugs to enhance gene therapy, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuchs, Sebastian Patrick — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Fuchs, Sebastian Patrick
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.