A key goal of HIV-1 vaccine development is to induce long-lasting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) that can inhibit HIV-1 infection. Messenger (m) RNA has emerged as a promising new vaccine modality that can elicit potent immune responses, while avoiding the safety risks and anti-vector immunity associated with some live virus vaccines. Important targets for bnAb induction are N301, N332 glycans at the base of the gp120 V3 loop. Our overall goals in this grant are 1) To design an mRNA that encodes a V3-glycan mimetope that, when expressed, will bind a V3 glycan UCA; 2) To select and produce mRNA formulations non-GMP that encode HIV-1 Envs for immunization in humanized mice and RMs; and 3) To produce the sequential V3-glycan mRNA vaccine under CGMP conditions, perform toxicity studies, and prepare an IND for testing in a Phase I trial in man. Overall Specific Aim 1. Develop mRNA delivery constructs for sequential Env trimers for V3-glycan bnAb B cell lineage vaccinations. Hypotheses: Messenger RNA vaccination of humanized mice, Rhesus macaques and humans will induce long-lasting anti-V3 glycan bnAb epitope antibodies, and mRNA vaccination will promote sequential somatic hypermutations and affinity maturation in V3-glycan targeted B cell lineages. Overall Specific Aim 2. Produce CGMP mRNA immunogens. Hypotheses: Messenger RNAs can be produced and encapsulated in potent nanoparticle formulations under CGMP for use in human Phase I trials, and will be safe and immunogenic. Moreover, the mRNA immunogens selected for CGMP production will produce stable Env trimers upon transfection of cell lines in vitro and after immunization in vivo in humanized mice. Expectations and Impact on the Field. Messenger RNAs are the current most promising vaccine strategy for inducing high-titered and long-lasting antibody responses. A successful first in man Phase I clinical trial with clinical trials materials produced in this IPCAVD will change the field by showing the plausibility of initiation of V3-glycan bnAb B cell lineages.

Public Health Relevance

Nucleoside-modified messenger (m) RNAs are the current most promising vaccine strategy for inducing high- titered and long-lasting antibody responses. This IPCAVD Program has the potential to change the field with a successful first in man Phase I clinical trial by showing the plausibility of initiation of V3-glycan bnAb B cell lineages with Man9-V3 glycopeptide primes and sequential nucleoside-modified mRNA boosts.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Program--Cooperative Agreements (U19)
Project #
5U19AI135902-04
Application #
10097974
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAI1)
Program Officer
Pensiero, Michael N
Project Start
2018-02-08
Project End
2023-01-31
Budget Start
2021-02-01
Budget End
2022-01-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2021
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
044387793
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705