Boosting NK cells to help clear HIV by targeting Siglec‑9 interactions
Targeting Siglec-9/Sialoglycan Interactions to Enhance NK Functions During HIV Infection
Researchers are exploring a lab method to help natural killer (NK) cells find and destroy HIV-infected cells in people on HIV treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099684 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on a subset of NK cells that carry Siglec-9, a molecule that boosts killing potential but also acts as a brake. The team is testing ways to block Siglec-9 or remove sialic acid from infected cells using enzymes attached to HIV antibodies to make infected cells easier for NK cells to kill. Much of the work uses blood cells and samples related to people living with HIV and lab-grown infected cells to model how this could work in humans. The goal is to develop immune-based tools that could reduce the reservoir of HIV that persists during antiretroviral therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on stable antiretroviral therapy and willing to provide blood samples or consider future immune-based treatment trials would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those not on stable antiretroviral therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to therapies that help the immune system clear HIV-infected cells and reduce the long-lived viral reservoir.
How similar studies have performed: Related immune-checkpoint and broadly neutralizing antibody approaches have shown promise in lab studies and early trials, but linking sialidase enzymes to antibodies to remove sialic acid is a newer, less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdel Mohsen, Mohamed — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Abdel Mohsen, Mohamed
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.