Creating a new type of immune therapy to potentially cure HIV
Development of Allogeneic CAR T Cell Therapy for a Functional Cure of HIV Infection
This study is testing a new type of treatment using specially modified immune cells to help people with HIV fight the virus better, so they might not need to take their usual medications all the time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11031419 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel CAR T cell therapy aimed at achieving a functional cure for HIV infection. By utilizing allogeneic T cells, the study seeks to enhance the immune response against HIV-infected cells, which are often resistant to traditional treatments. The approach involves engineering T cells to specifically target and eliminate these infected cells, potentially allowing patients to maintain viral suppression without ongoing antiretroviral therapy. The research builds on previous successes in cancer immunotherapy and aims to translate these findings to HIV treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are seeking alternative treatment options beyond standard antiretroviral therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have advanced AIDS may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a functional cure for HIV, significantly improving the quality of life for patients living with the virus.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using CAR T cell therapies for cancer, and initial studies suggest potential effectiveness against HIV, making this approach both innovative and based on successful methodologies.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boutwell, Christian L. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Boutwell, Christian L.
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.