Controlling the immune system's first response to HIV
Regulation and Manipulation of Innate Immunity During HIV Infection
Researchers are looking at how a protein called CBFb controls early immune and interferon responses in people with HIV to find ways to reduce harmful inflammation and limit virus spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326278 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists will study immune cells that help detect viruses to map the genes and networks that turn on antiviral signals during HIV infection. They will focus on a protein called CBFb that seems to control interferon and inflammatory responses in myeloid cells. In the lab they will alter CBFb using tools like CRISPR and RNA interference and measure how those changes affect antiviral genes and inflammation. Parts of the work use human-derived immune cells, so findings are tied to human biology rather than only animal models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are willing to donate blood or immune cells for laboratory studies, especially those near the University of Utah, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Healthy people without HIV and patients looking for immediate new treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce harmful inflammation and improve the body's control of HIV, guiding future treatment development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown interferon signaling affects HIV but targeting CBFb as a regulator is a newer, largely preclinical approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Jarrod Sean — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Jarrod Sean
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.