PROJECT
Harnessing T Cell Repertoires (TCR) and metrics of diversity and clonality for HIV vaccine development
November 2024 - May 2027
Objectives:
To evaluate T cell clonal expansion and inter- and intra-individual TCR convergence as potential correlates of viral control and biomarkers for vaccine immunogen selection.
Study Overview:
An ideal conserved immunogen for inclusion in HIV vaccine design should ideally trigger clonally diverse TCRs within an individual and also induce convergent TCR clonotypes for a durable response. In order to assess this potential, we aim to investigate potential T cell epitopes (PTEs) (conserved immunogen) from Early HIV Infected (EHI) individuals. Such PTEs could be used for developing efficacious HIV vaccines in the future.
Study Approach:
Study Design: Prospective laboratory Study
Methods:
1. Generation of cohort-specific peptides designed based on the virologic and immunologic characteristics of the target population.
2. Identification and characterization of the immunogenicity of designed cohort-specific peptides recognized by circulating naïve CD8+ T Cells from HIV-negative healthy donors
3. Determine underlying heterogeneity of T cell associated immune responses in the healthy population that can be explained by clonality and clonal diversities in responder T cells to similar antigenic stimulation
Expected Public Health Impact:
The study will consequently pave way for the design of a potential T cell-based vaccine against HIV infection.
Principal Investigator
