Using engineered T cells to target and eliminate HIV-infected cells while producing antibodies
Official title: CAR T CELLS ENGINEERED TO KILL HIV-INFECTED CELLS WHILE SECRETING BROADLY NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES
Funded at Scintillon Institute for Photobiology · NIH-10791817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with HIV by using specially designed T cells that can find and kill HIV-infected cells while also producing antibodies to fight different strains of the virus, with the hope of creating a long-lasting treatment that could lead to a cure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scintillon Institute for Photobiology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | March 25, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $480,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI150381-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have not responded adequately to existing treatments or are seeking new therapeutic options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have advanced AIDS with significant immune system damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel approach to eliminate HIV-infected cells in the body using specially engineered T cells known as CAR T cells. These cells are designed to not only kill the infected cells but also secrete broadly neutralizing antibodies that can combat various strains of HIV. The study aims to create a self-sustaining treatment that continuously targets and destroys newly activated HIV reservoirs, potentially leading to a functional cure for HIV. By combining advanced CAR designs with effective antibodies, the research seeks to improve the efficacy of current HIV treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that effectively controls and potentially cures HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using CAR T cells has shown promise in other areas of cancer treatment, its application in HIV is still largely novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawson, Brian — Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
- Study coordinator: Lawson, Brian
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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.