Vaccine designs to trigger powerful 10E8-like HIV antibodies
Design and testing of immunogens to elicit 10E8-like broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV
This project develops new vaccine components using AI and engineered proteins to teach the immune system to make 10E8-like broadly neutralizing antibodies that could protect people from HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190720 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses artificial-intelligence-guided protein design to create boost immunogens built as nanoparticles and stabilized membrane-bound Env proteins. They will test candidates in stringent mouse models and rhesus macaques to see which sequences shepherd the right B cells toward bnAb development. Laboratory methods include mammalian display and directed evolution to refine proteins that bind intermediate antibody forms. The goal is to identify immunization steps that could move promising candidates into future human vaccine testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Because this is preclinical work, it does not currently enroll people, but future human vaccine trials would likely recruit adults at risk for HIV infection or volunteers willing to participate in vaccine studies.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate HIV treatment or looking for a current vaccine should not expect direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a vaccine approach that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies and provides protection against many HIV strains.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown consistent priming of 10E8-class precursors in mice and rhesus macaques, but fully inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies in humans remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schiffner, Torben — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Schiffner, Torben
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.