Durable Env‑boosted CAR T cells to target HIV
Developing Durable, Env-Boosted CAR T Cells for HIV Cure
This project uses a person's own engineered immune cells plus an HIV Env boost to help find and eliminate hidden HIV in people on treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11223311 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team engineers a patient’s own T cells with a CAR that recognizes HIV and aims to keep those cells working longer. They plan to amplify those cells in the body by giving a vaccine-like boost made from HIV Env protein to make infected cells more visible. Much of the work builds on promising macaque experiments and is designed to translate toward human use. The goal is to overcome low antigen levels and waning CAR‑T persistence so the therapy can clear latent HIV reservoirs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults living with HIV who are stably suppressed on antiretroviral therapy and otherwise healthy enough to undergo cell collection and infusion.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled HIV, active serious infections, certain immune or organ dysfunctions, or who cannot undergo leukapheresis/infusion are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce a one‑time or limited‑dose cell therapy that reduces or eliminates hidden HIV, potentially letting people stop daily antiretroviral drugs.
How similar studies have performed: CAR‑T therapy has been highly successful for some blood cancers, while Env‑targeting CAR‑T approaches for HIV are early but have shown promising results in animal models and limited clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Christopher W — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Christopher W
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.