Vaccine approach to produce broad HIV antibodies targeting the V2-apex
Combining germline-targeting, B cell immunofocusing and Env-Ab coevolution strategies to induce HIV Envelope V2-apex broadly neutralizing antibodies
This project aims to train the immune system to make broad HIV-blocking antibodies against the V2-apex to help protect people at risk of infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121108 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to teach the immune system to produce rare broadly neutralizing antibodies that target a conserved part of the HIV envelope called the V2-apex. They will combine three tactics: germline-targeting to engage rare naïve B cells, immunofocusing to steer responses to the protective site, and molecularly guided Env–antibody coevolution to mature those antibodies. The team will use engineered immunogens, lab assays and animal models to refine vaccine designs and measure antibody development. If preclinical results are promising, the approach is intended to move toward human vaccine testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be HIV-negative adults at risk of infection who can travel to trial sites for vaccinations and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People already living with HIV or those with severely weakened immune systems are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preventive vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a preventive HIV vaccine that generates broad antibodies protecting against many virus strains.
How similar studies have performed: Some germline-targeting vaccines have primed desired B cells in laboratory and early human work, but reliably producing mature V2-apex broadly neutralizing antibodies has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andrabi, Raiees Ahmad — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Andrabi, Raiees Ahmad
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.