Cell-derived vesicles to silence HIV in the brain
Official title: Cell-derived extracellular vesicle mediated epigenetic silencing of HIV in the brain
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11369530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-centered look at using tiny cell-made bubbles to switch off HIV in brain cells, which could help protect brain health for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $365,683 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134389-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals living with HIV, particularly those concerned about HIV persistence in the brain and associated neurocognitive issues, could benefit from future developments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV-related brain involvement or those not interested in brain-targeted therapies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores delivering gene-silencing helpers via extracellular vesicles to brain cells to shut down HIV transcription. The approach compares a zinc finger protein method with a small hairpin RNA method, both aimed at preventing HIV from reactivating in the brain. If successful, it could contribute to long-term viral control and reduce HIV-related brain disorders. The work involves molecular techniques and brain-cell models to test how well these vesicle-delivered therapies can reduce HIV activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could pave the way for therapies that limit HIV in the brain and potentially lessen HIV-associated neurological problems.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary approaches using vesicle-delivered epigenetic silencers have shown promise in brain-targeted HIV suppression in early studies, but this exact strategy is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kashanchi, Fatah — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Kashanchi, Fatah
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.