Block-and-lock medicines to silence HIV and aim for remission
Exploration of novel block-and-lock agents alone and in combination for HIV remission in humanized mice
Testing whether existing drugs and new compounds can permanently silence HIV so people living with HIV might one day stop daily therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294210 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses humanized mice (mice given human immune cells) to test drugs that turn off HIV gene activity so the virus cannot reactivate. The team will study a potent Tat inhibitor previously shown to silence HIV and test whether the approved drug spironolactone can be repurposed alone or combined to achieve durable 'block-and-lock' effects. Researchers will measure viral levels, immune activation, and the ability of the virus to rebound after stopping treatment. Positive results in these models would support moving these approaches toward human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future candidates would likely be adults living with HIV who are stable on ART and interested in therapies aimed at durable remission without daily pills.
Not a fit: People with untreated acute HIV, those unable to take ART, or individuals not eligible for later clinical trials are unlikely to benefit from this preclinical project now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to medicines that keep HIV permanently silent and reduce or eliminate the need for daily antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies with the Tat inhibitor didehydro-Cortistatin A produced deep HIV silencing in lab and animal models, but repurposing spironolactone for this purpose is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valente, Susana T — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Valente, Susana T
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 below.