Vaccine strategies to spark broad protective HIV antibodies
Combining membrane Env vaccine regimens to elicit multiple bnAb lineages and consistent cross-neutralization of HIV
This project aims to teach the immune systems of people at risk for HIV to produce several broadly neutralizing antibodies that can block many different HIV strains.
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-11222646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing new vaccine regimens that combine a membrane Env liposome (MEL) platform with germline-targeting changes to activate rare antibody precursor cells. They plan sequences of priming and boosting shots designed to steer B cells to mature into multiple broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) lineages that can neutralize diverse HIV strains, including responses focused on the CD4-binding site and the Fusion Peptide. Most testing is done in specially engineered mouse models that carry human-like antibody precursors so scientists can track how well different vaccine combinations produce neutralizing antibodies. Promising candidates from these lab and animal studies would be refined for future clinical testing in people at risk for HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be adults at risk for acquiring HIV or healthy volunteers willing to receive experimental preventative vaccines.
Not a fit: People who already have HIV infection are unlikely to benefit from this preventative vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a preventative HIV vaccine that protects people from many different strains by producing broadly neutralizing antibodies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous germline-targeting vaccine efforts have produced limited or inconsistent bnAb responses, but this MEL platform showed promising neutralization in engineered mouse models and remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zwick, Michael B — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Zwick, Michael B
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.