Elite controllers: learning how the body can cure HIV-1 naturally
Official title: Elite controllers as a model for a cure of HIV-1 infection
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11320953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying people who naturally control HIV-1 without drugs to uncover clues for a functional cure that could help others live without daily therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $814,136 |
| NIH project number | 4R37AI155171-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11320953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV-1 infection who have maintained undetectable or very low viral levels without antiretroviral therapy for extended periods.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not exhibit natural viral control or who cannot participate due to other medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project will examine a large group of elite controllers to understand how their immune system targets HIV-1 reservoir cells. Using high-resolution analyses, scientists will map where HIV persists and how immune cells recognize and eliminate those reservoir cells. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be leveraged to design therapies that mimic natural control and reduce the need for antiretroviral treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide new strategies to achieve a functional cure for HIV-1 in more people.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown immune system features in elite controllers; this project builds on that by using higher-resolution analyses in a larger cohort.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Xu — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yu, Xu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.