Combining IL-15 therapy with TGF-beta blockade to achieve lasting HIV remission
Official title: IL-15 Therapy Combined with TGF-Beta Blockade for Sustained HIV Remission
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11201252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with HIV by using a combination of treatments that could boost their immune system and help them stay healthy even after stopping their usual medications, and it's being done with Rhesus macaques to see how safe and effective it is.
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 start | June 4, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $800,389 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI187162-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11201252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and are interested in exploring new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have advanced AIDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for HIV that combines IL-15 therapy with TGF-beta blockade and therapeutic vaccination. The goal is to enhance the immune response against the virus, potentially allowing patients to maintain viral remission after stopping antiretroviral therapy. The study uses a model involving Rhesus macaques to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this combined therapy. By addressing the challenges of viral reservoirs and dysfunctional immunity, this research aims to improve the long-term management of HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a functional cure for HIV, allowing patients to live without continuous antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar strategies targeting immune enhancement and viral reservoir clearance have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Velu, Vijayakumar — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Velu, Vijayakumar
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.