CD4‑mimetic drugs to shrink HIV reservoirs when starting ART
Targeting the HIV-1 reservoir at cART initiation with CD4-mimetic interventions
This project tries to help the immune system clear hidden HIV by giving small CD4‑mimetic drugs together with certain antibodies when people living with HIV begin antiretroviral therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173738 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work develops small CD4‑mimetic compounds that make HIV‑infected cells more visible to antibodies and immune cells. The team pairs these drugs with CD4‑induced antibodies that many people living with HIV already have, and tests the combination in lab systems and in humanized mice where early results showed a big drop in the hidden virus reservoir and control after stopping ART. Researchers will study how the drugs and antibodies drive infected‑cell clearance and gather data needed to move toward patient‑focused testing. The effort is led at Yale with collaborators to translate the findings into future clinical options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are starting combination antiretroviral therapy would be the most relevant population for this approach.
Not a fit: People who have been on long‑term ART with well‑established reservoirs or whose virus is not susceptible to these compounds may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shrink the hidden HIV reservoir and help some people keep the virus under control without continuous ART.
How similar studies have performed: Related combinations produced strong reductions in the viral reservoir and sustained control after stopping therapy in humanized mouse models, but human testing is still novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Priti — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Priti
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.