Blocking HIV reactivation by NRF-2 signaling to keep the virus silent
Official title: Investigating the role of NRF-2 signaling in promoting HIV latency
Funded at Albany College of Pharmacy · NIH-11411595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research grant aims to use NRF-2–driven pathways to keep HIV in a permanently latent, non-replicating state, potentially helping people living with HIV by reducing viral rebound.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany College of Pharmacy NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $493,213 |
| NIH project number | 2R15AI165295-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy who may benefit from strategies to minimize latent reservoir reactivation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without latent HIV reservoirs or those not pursuing cure strategies may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project explores how activating NRF-2 with Sulforaphane may lock the HIV genome in a silent state and prevent reactivation. It builds on lab studies showing NRF-2 activation can counter inflammatory signals that usually wake latent virus. The team uses cell-line models to test latency-promoting effects, examining interactions between NRF-2, NF-kB, and interferon signaling. If successful, this approach could contribute to a functional cure strategy that complements antiretroviral therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works in further studies, it could contribute to a functional cure by reducing HIV reactivation from latent reservoirs.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data and related work suggest NRF-2 activation can influence HIV latency, but further confirmation is needed.
Where this research is happening
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Albany College of Pharmacy
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Vir Bahadur — Albany College of Pharmacy
- Study coordinator: Singh, Vir Bahadur
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.