Developing a new treatment to cure HIV using engineered viruses
Official title: Engineering Bacteriophage T4 as a Targeted Gene Therapy Drug for in vivo HIV Cure
Funded at Catholic University of America · NIH-11094859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with HIV by using a special treatment that makes their own blood stem cells resistant to the virus, which could lead to a potential cure, especially for those who are more affected by HIV due to substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Catholic University of America NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $964,530 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA060580-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those who are substance users and face challenges with traditional antiretroviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who do not have access to the necessary healthcare infrastructure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel treatment for HIV that targets the body's own blood stem cells to make them resistant to the virus. By using a specially engineered bacteriophage T4, the researchers aim to deliver genetic modifications directly to these stem cells, which could potentially lead to a cure for HIV. The approach involves identifying specific molecules that can effectively bind to the stem cells and facilitate the delivery of the therapeutic payload. This innovative method seeks to address the challenges faced by substance users who are disproportionately affected by HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking cure for HIV, significantly improving the health and quality of life for millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: There have been successful cases of HIV cure through stem cell transplantation, but this approach using engineered bacteriophages is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Catholic University of America
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Venigalla B. — Catholic University of America
- Study coordinator: Rao, Venigalla B.
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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.