Convergent RNA polymerase II and HIV-1 latency and reactivation
Official title: Roles of convergent RNA polymerase II transcription to HIV-1 latency and reactivation
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11468870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a special form of RNA polymerase II that acts in opposite directions might control HIV staying hidden and then reactivating in infected cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203509-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11468870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV on ART who may contribute cells for latency and reactivation studies or be eligible for future translational trials.
✕Less likely to help
Most patients not directly involved in laboratory procedures may not experience immediate benefits.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV-1 hides in reservoirs during ART and what molecular signals trigger its reactivation. Using cell models of latency and primary cells, the team will employ genetic engineering and high-resolution genomic tools to study convergent Pol II activity near the HIV-1 5’-LTR. The goal is to understand whether this convergent transcription helps maintain latency or promotes reactivation, which could inform new cure strategies. The work will cross-validate findings in physiologically relevant cell types to ensure relevance to patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding convergent Pol II’s role could lead to new approaches that better flush out latent HIV and improve cure strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has identified transcriptional mechanisms in HIV latency, with ongoing research building on these concepts; this study explores a novel convergent transcription form.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'orso, Ivan — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: D'orso, Ivan
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.