Boosting CycT1 to wake up hidden HIV
Controlling HIV latency by manipulating CycT1 turnover
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11144264
This research aims to raise levels of a protein called CycT1 in resting CD4+ T cells to wake up hidden (latent) HIV in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144264 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Hidden HIV survives in resting CD4+ T cells and helps keep infection lifelong despite treatment. The team plans to increase CycT1 protein levels by changing how a cellular complex called P-TEFb is assembled and by blocking the enzymes that mark CycT1 for destruction. They will test these approaches in T cells, including cells taken from people with HIV, to see whether higher CycT1 reactivates latent virus and restores immune function. Positive lab results could point toward new ways to expose and eliminate hidden HIV and improve immune responses to infections and AIDS-related cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on suppressive antiretroviral therapy and willing to provide blood samples or take part in clinic-based procedures would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV, and those with uncontrolled active HIV or very advanced immune suppression, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, raising CycT1 could expose hidden HIV so existing therapies or immune responses can clear infected cells and also improve T cell responses to infections and cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Other 'latency reversal' approaches have shown activity in lab and early clinical tests but so far have not cleared the latent HIV reservoir in patients.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FUJINAGA, KOH — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: FUJINAGA, KOH
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.
Conditions: AIDS associated cancer, AIDS related cancer, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus