NIH-funded research R01 grant

DNA-PK inhibitors to reduce HIV gene expression

Official title: DNA-PK inhibition to abolish HIV gene products

Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11420070 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A patient-focused project to test whether a DNA-PK inhibitor can safely reduce HIV RNA and proteins in people living with HIV who are on ART.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionThomas Jefferson University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startSeptember 9, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$803,550
NIH project number1R01AI200840-01
Project IDNIH-11420070 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

People living with HIV who are on effective ART and have residual immune activation may be eligible.

Less likely to help

Patients with adverse reactions to DNA-PK inhibitors or without residual inflammation may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project aims to see if a carefully dosed DNA-PK inhibitor can lower HIV transcription in people taking ART, with the goal of reducing ongoing inflammation. Researchers will test safety and the potential to suppress HIV transcripts in patient-derived cells and explore how this approach affects immune activation. The study builds on prior lab findings and plans to move carefully from preclinical data toward early human insights, prioritizing tolerability and targeted effects. If successful, this could lead to new strategies that complement ART to improve long-term health for people living with HIV.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lessen persistent inflammation and enhance HIV control beyond current ART.

How similar studies have gone: Prior lab work suggests partial DNA-PK inhibition can reduce HIV transcription with limited impact on normal cell function, making this a promising but early effort.

Where this research is happening

  • Thomas Jefferson University
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tyagi, Mudit — Thomas Jefferson University
  • Study coordinator: Tyagi, Mudit

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.