CRISPR-based Cure for HIV: Targeting reservoirs and boosting immunity
Official title: CRISPR for Cure
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11515082 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use CRISPR gene editing to directly cut HIV provirus and strengthen immune responses so people living with HIV can better control the virus even after stopping therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,650,851 |
| NIH project number | 4UM1AI164568-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11515082 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals living with HIV on ART who could participate in future translational studies or trials related to HIV cure strategies.
✕Less likely to help
People not eligible for HIV cure-focused trials or not fitting the safety criteria for genome-editing approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program brings together basic and translational scientists to develop CRISPR-based therapies for HIV cure. Researchers will map HIV reservoirs, study how the virus hides, and test genome-editing approaches to reduce rebound after ART interruption. They will also enhance natural killer and T cell functions to better attack infected cells. The effort includes collaboration with community stakeholders and a biotech partner to push promising strategies toward real-world use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to durable viral control and potential reduction in the need for ongoing ART for people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous HIV cure efforts show promise but exact CRISPR-based approaches to target provirus are still being explored and require careful validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khalili, Kamel — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Khalili, Kamel
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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.