Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and faster aging in people with HIV
The role of CMV in HIV-associated accentuated aging
Researchers are seeing whether a common virus called CMV is linked to earlier aging and more health problems in adults living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect blood and clinical information from adults living with HIV to measure CMV levels, immune responses (NK, T, and B cells), and markers of inflammation. They will use a battery of lab tests to characterize how well CMV is controlled and how immune function looks in each person. Those biological measures will be compared with physical and cognitive function and other age-related health problems to look for patterns. The goal is to figure out whether CMV infection helps explain why people with HIV often develop age-related conditions earlier in life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults living with HIV—especially older adults (around age 50 and up) with controlled infection—who can provide blood samples and medical history.
Not a fit: People without HIV and those living with HIV who are not infected with CMV may not get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people with HIV who are at higher risk for early aging and point to new ways to prevent or treat those problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have suggested links between CMV and immune aging, but the evidence is limited and the mechanisms remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nikolich, Janko Z. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Nikolich, Janko Z.
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.