Exploring how the immune system limits certain types of HIV infection
Official title: Understanding the mechanism of tropism specific immune restriction in HIV infection
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11085833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system fights certain types of HIV that appear later in the infection, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with HIV live healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $197,366 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AI184158-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those who have not yet progressed to late-stage disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already on advanced antiretroviral therapy or those with late-stage HIV may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune mechanisms that restrict specific types of HIV, particularly the X4-tropic virus, which emerges in later stages of infection. By studying how the immune system interacts with different HIV strains, the research aims to uncover potential pathways for developing a novel cure for HIV. The approach includes using humanized mouse models and analyzing patient specimens to identify the molecular factors involved in this immune restriction. This could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in curing HIV and improving treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to HIV, but this specific focus on X4-tropic virus restriction is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pal, Priya — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Pal, Priya
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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.