Boosting Immunity to Clear HIV Infection
Harnessing IL-10 in cART treated SIV infected macaques to restore immunity and to eradicate HIV
This research explores how blocking a protein called IL-10 might help the body's immune system clear HIV infection in people already on treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116889 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current HIV treatments effectively manage the virus but do not eliminate it entirely, leaving a small amount of hidden virus in the body. This hidden virus is the main obstacle to finding a cure for HIV. Researchers believe that a protein called IL-10 may play a role in allowing HIV to persist and hide from the immune system. This project aims to test if neutralizing IL-10 activity can restore the immune system's ability to fight the virus and reduce the amount of hidden HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with HIV who are currently receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and still have persistent virus could be ideal candidates for future applications of this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV infection or are not on cART would not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a functional cure or even eradication of HIV, potentially freeing patients from lifelong daily medication.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings in both human and animal studies, along with an antibody already in clinical testing, suggest this approach has promise.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sekaly, Rafick Pierre — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sekaly, Rafick Pierre
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.