A new approach to freeing HIV from brain cells and reducing brain inflammation
Official title: A Novel Shock-and-Kill with Shield Strategy Targeting HIV Latency and Neuroinflammation in CNS Reservoirs
Funded at American University · NIH-11470903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused approach tests a strategy to flush out hidden HIV in the brain and protect brain health by reducing inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | American University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 23, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $513,946 |
| NIH project number | 2R15AI172610-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals living with HIV who have persistent HAND symptoms or concerns about cognitive function.
✕Less likely to help
People without HAND or those unable to tolerate the proposed drug regimen may not experience benefits.
What this research studies
This project aims to release dormant HIV from cells in the brain and then help the immune system clear those cells, while also protecting brain tissue from damage. It uses approved drugs in a specific combination to make hidden HIV visible and easier to remove, potentially slowing HAND progression. The plan includes studying how this strategy affects brain cells and inflammatory signals, with careful monitoring of safety and immune responses. If successful, it could lead to a new CNS-directed path toward reducing neurocognitive issues in people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lessen HIV-related brain inflammation and cognitive problems for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that combining latency-reversing agents with immune activation can reduce viral reservoirs in the CNS in preclinical models.
Where this research is happening
-
American University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izumi, Taisuke — American University
- Study coordinator: Izumi, Taisuke
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.