Using genetic adjuvants to boost antibody responses against HIV
Official title: Genetic adjuvants to elicit neutralizing antibodies against HIV
Funded at Tendel Therapies INC. · NIH-10778571 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to boost the immune system's response to HIV by using special genetic helpers, which could lead to better vaccines and less reliance on daily medications for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tendel Therapies INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kensington, United States) |
| Project start | February 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,083 |
| NIH project number | 5R43MH133246-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10778571 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are seeking improved treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not interested in experimental vaccine approaches may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of genetic adjuvants that target T follicular helper cells to enhance the immune response to a specific HIV envelope protein. By improving the immunogenicity of this protein, the goal is to stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies that can effectively combat HIV. The approach involves combining these adjuvants with advanced immunogens to promote strong and lasting antibody responses, which could lead to more effective therapeutic vaccines for HIV. Patients may benefit from this research as it aims to improve treatment options and potentially reduce the need for daily antiretroviral therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective therapeutic vaccines that improve HIV treatment and management.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetic adjuvants to enhance immune responses, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tendel Therapies INC.
Kensington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sparger, Ellen Elizabeth — Tendel Therapies INC.
- Study coordinator: Sparger, Ellen Elizabeth
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This study is exploring a new way to help people with HIV by using a special treatment that targets and removes the cells where the virus hides, especially early on in the infection, with the hope of finding a lasting cure.
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.