# Combined Immunologic Approaches to Cure HIV-1

> **NIH NIH UM1** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $4,630,463

## Abstract

SUMMARY
The goal of our Collaboratory is to develop novel combined immunologic approaches to cure HIV-1 through a
highly collaborative and multifaceted research program involving leading investigators in academia,
government, and industry. Our overall hypothesis is that a combined immunologic approach that
optimizes antiviral humoral and cellular immune responses, together with latency reversal and
possibly lymphoid sanctuary disruption, will effectively reduce or control the viral reservoir in ART-
suppressed, SHIV-infected rhesus monkeys and in ART-suppressed, HIV-1-infected humans to achieve
a functional cure. We propose two interactive Research Foci and five Scientific Research Support Sections
(Clinical, Nonhuman Primate, Virology, Immunology, and Biostatistics and Bioinformatics).
Focus 1: Efficacy of Combined Immunologic Approaches to Target the Viral Reservoir
In this Focus, we will evaluate the efficacy of best-in-class broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies
(bnMAbs), therapeutic vaccines, and latency reversing agents (LRAs) in both SHIV-infected rhesus monkeys
and HIV-1-infected humans. These studies will fill a critical knowledge gap by defining the capacity of leading
immunologic interventions to target viral reservoirs and to contribute to an HIV-1 cure.
Specific Aim 1. To evaluate two leading therapeutic vaccines in ART-suppressed, HIV-1-infected humans
treated during acute HIV-1 infection;
Specific Aim 2. To evaluate the combination of bnMAbs and a therapeutic vaccine in ART-suppressed, SHIV-
infected rhesus monkeys; and
Specific Aim 3. To evaluate the combination of optimal bnMAbs and a therapeutic vaccine in ART-
suppressed, HIV-1-infected humans treated during both acute and chronic HIV-1 infection.
Focus 2: Mechanisms and Next Generation Strategies to Target the Viral Reservoir
A major knowledge gap is that we currently do not know which anatomic viral sanctuary gives rise to viral
rebound following discontinuation of ART. In this Focus, we will evaluate the impact of bnMAbs, therapeutic
vaccines, and LRAs on the viral reservoir, and we will define the anatomic location of the residual viral
reservoir that persists despite these interventions with the goal of developing next generation HIV-1 cure
strategies.
Specific Aim 1. To define the mechanism of action of leading bnMAbs, therapeutic vaccines, and LRAs in
depleting the viral reservoir in ART-suppressed, SHIV-infected rhesus monkeys;
Specific Aim 2. To develop more effective bnMAbs for reservoir depletion; and
Specific Aim 3. To test an improved HIV-1 cure strategy in ART-suppressed, SHIV-infected rhesus monkeys.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9932887
- **Project number:** 5UM1AI126603-05
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Dan H. Barouch
- **Activity code:** UM1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $4,630,463
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-07-14 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9932887

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9932887, Combined Immunologic Approaches to Cure HIV-1 (5UM1AI126603-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9932887. Licensed CC0.

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