Boosting immune responses to help control HIV by targeting PD-1
Targeting PD-1 Pathway for Functional Cure of AIDS
This research tries to strengthen your killer T cells with PD‑1 blockade plus vaccines and immune signals so people with HIV might keep the virus under control without daily ART.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238499 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a monkey (SIV/macaque) model to test combinations of therapeutic vaccines, PD‑1 immune checkpoint blockers, and cytokine support (like IL‑2) to make CD8 T cells stronger and reduce hidden viral reservoirs. Investigators give antiretroviral therapy (ART) and then temporarily stop it (analytical treatment interruption) to see whether the immune boost can control reemerging virus. Results so far showed some animals kept virus undetectable for many weeks when vaccination and PD‑1 blockade were combined. The team is refining timing and combinations with the goal of bringing approaches that worked in animals toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Likely candidates for future human trials would be people living with HIV who are stable on ART and medically able to consider a closely monitored temporary treatment interruption.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled HIV, advanced AIDS, serious immune suppression, or medical conditions that make immune therapies unsafe would likely not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to immune-based treatments that let some people with HIV maintain viral remission without continuous ART.
How similar studies have performed: Similar combination approaches have shown promising results in animal models, but human trials so far are limited and have had mixed outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amara, Rama Rao — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Amara, Rama Rao
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.