Exploring how RNA polymerase III affects HIV latency
Official title: Investigating RNA polymerase III driven mechanisms in regulating HIV latency
Funded at Albany College of Pharmacy · NIH-10484480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called RNA polymerase III affects the hidden HIV in resting immune cells, with the goal of finding new ways to wake up and eliminate the virus, which could lead to better treatments for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany College of Pharmacy NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $495,321 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI165295-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10484480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have a detectable latent viral reservoir.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have achieved complete viral suppression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of RNA polymerase III in regulating HIV latency, focusing on how it influences the expression of genes that may contribute to the persistence of the virus in resting CD4+ T cells. The study aims to identify novel therapeutic targets that could help eliminate the latent HIV reservoir, which is a significant barrier to curing HIV infection. By using an RNA polymerase III inhibitor, researchers hope to reactivate latent HIV cells and understand the mechanisms involved in this process. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that effectively target and eliminate latent HIV reservoirs in patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting RNA polymerase III is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promising results in reactivating latent HIV cells, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany College of Pharmacy
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Vir Bahadur — Albany College of Pharmacy
- Study coordinator: Singh, Vir Bahadur
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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.