Creating specialized immune cells to target HIV in the brain
Official title: Development of Gamma delta CAR-T cells to target CNS HIV reservoir
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10757944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with HIV by creating special immune cells that can find and destroy HIV-infected cells in the brain, which could improve brain health and thinking skills for those living with the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $222,084 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH132483-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy but still experience neurological issues related to the virus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not have neurological complications related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of immune cell, called gamma delta CAR-T cells, to specifically target and eliminate HIV-infected cells in the central nervous system (CNS). The approach aims to address the challenge of HIV persistence in the brain, which is often resistant to standard treatments. By engineering these immune cells to recognize and attack HIV-infected macrophages, the research seeks to improve outcomes for individuals living with HIV who experience cognitive impairments. The study will involve laboratory experiments and may lead to innovative therapies for eradicating HIV from the CNS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that eliminate HIV from the brain, potentially improving cognitive function and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using CAR-T cells is gaining traction, this specific application targeting HIV in the CNS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rout, Namita — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Rout, Namita
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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.