# Antibody function at the portal of entry

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE · 2020 · $464,823

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – PROJECT 1
Much of the focus of vaccine-induced antibody responses to prevent HIV acquisition has been on IgG, the
most common antibody isotype. However, previous work by this HIVRAD has found that combinations of IgA
and IgG can inhibit SIV acquisition under circumstances where either alone shows no or limited inhibitory
activity. This demonstrates the importance of considering the combined actions of the effector domains of
multiple antibody isotypes in the successful developments of a vaccine. To gain mechanistic insights into the
underlying ability of these antibody combinations to inhibit rectal acquisition in the rhesus macaque model, we
will utilize our toolbox of microscopy-based reagents to gain insights into how acquisition is decreased or
blocked. These tools allow us to directly examine the major components of the vaccine virus interaction at the
mucosal surface including the labeling of antibodies, virus, and target cells, all in the proper anatomical
configuration of the rectal compartment of a living animal. This plan of attack will take advantage of support
from the project cores including macaque veterinary support, antibodies and virions, and the ability to do in
vivo imaging via PET scan. New antibody combinations will come from data generated by project 2. More
complicated vaccine induced responses will come from interactions with project 3. These studies will provide
critical insights into the behavior of antibodies and their interactions with virions at mucosal surfaces. For
example, we will determine the percentage of IgG at the rectal mucosa that is either generated systemically or
locally. We will also determine the stability of antibodies within mucosal tissues. Understanding how antibody
virus interactions influence the localization and phenotype of infected cells will further advance our knowledge
of vaccine action. Understanding the in vivo mechanisms of IgA action against SHIV will also inform new
possibilities in vaccine design. This information will inform vaccine development across a variety of pathogens.
By providing mechanistic insights into the underlying effector functions of antibodies in preventing acquisition,
we will advance our ability to develop a vaccine, which will protect humans from HIV acquisition.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10008958
- **Project number:** 5P01AI048240-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas Hope
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $464,823
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2000-09-30 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10008958

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10008958, Antibody function at the portal of entry (5P01AI048240-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10008958. Licensed CC0.

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