A new treatment using CAR-T cells for chronic HIV infection
Official title: A novel CAR-T cell therapy for the one-time treatment of chronic HIV infection in patients who are not ART suppressed
Funded at Marpam Pharma, LLC · NIH-11032898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new one-time treatment using your own immune cells to help people with HIV who struggle with regular medication, aiming to clear the virus from hidden spots in the body and keep it away for a long time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marpam Pharma, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Paul, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 13, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $979,050 |
| NIH project number | 5R42AI167175-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic HIV infection who are not suppressed by ART, including those who are ART naïve or non-compliant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already effectively managed on ART or those with acute HIV infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a one-time CAR-T cell therapy aimed at achieving durable remission of HIV in patients who are not effectively treated with standard antiretroviral therapy (ART). The therapy utilizes the patient's own T cells, modified to target and eliminate HIV-infected cells hidden in specific areas of the immune system. By employing a specialized receptor, the modified T cells are directed to these 'hidden' viral reservoirs, potentially leading to a more effective treatment for chronic HIV infection. This approach is particularly relevant for individuals who are ART naïve or have difficulty adhering to ART regimens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a long-lasting solution for individuals living with chronic HIV infection, potentially eliminating the need for ongoing ART.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR-T cell therapies have shown promise in other areas, this specific application for chronic HIV infection is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Marpam Pharma, LLC
St. Paul, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Athanasiou, Maria Constance — Marpam Pharma, LLC
- Study coordinator: Athanasiou, Maria Constance
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Off-the-shelf CAR T cells to achieve long-term control of HIV
This project will develop donor-derived CAR T cells for people living with HIV to control or eliminate the virus so they may not need daily antiretroviral drugs.
-
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This study is testing a new type of treatment using specially modified immune cells to help people with HIV fight the virus better, so they might not need to take their usual medications all the time.
-
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A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.
-
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A study from Duke aims to understand heart health and protein biomarkers in children who were exposed to or infected with HIV at birth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
-
HBV cure clues in people with and without HIV
This project studies how HBV-specific B and T cell responses relate to curing hepatitis B in people with and without HIV.
-
HBV cure factors in people with and without HIV
This project studies how HBV-specific immune cells behave during treatment and whether people with HIV respond differently than those without HIV.
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.