Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded the University of Pennsylvania a $803,591 Project Grant under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) effective February 3, 2026, through January 31, 2031. This research project develops and validates shiv-infected (Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus) rhesus macaques as a translational model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) broadly neutralizing antibody (BNAB) development. The primary deliverables include isolation and comprehensive characterization of rhesus BNAB monoclonal antibodies targeting multiple HIV-1 envelope epitope sites (V2 apex, V3 glycan, CD4 binding site, fusion peptide, and SF epitopes); evaluation of immunogenetic profiles and functional breadth and potency of these antibodies; demonstration that germline-targeted immunogens can recapitulate BNAB elicitation observed in SHIV-infected animals; and validation that such immunogens can elicit clinically protective antibodies against heterologous tier 2 SHIV challenge.

These research activities address a critical gap in rational HIV-1 vaccine development by establishing a reproducible primate model in which broadly neutralizing antibody responses can be commonly induced and mechanistically studied. Successful outcomes will provide a translational "blueprint" for immunogen design and accelerate development of effective HIV-1 prevention strategies applicable to human vaccine development efforts.