Exploring how the SIV virus hides and persists in the body.
Official title: Understanding formation and dynamics of the SIV reservoir.
Funded at Boston College · NIH-11311527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the SIV virus hides in the body, especially in immune cells, even when people are getting treatment, and it aims to find new ways to help people with HIV achieve long-lasting health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $824,331 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI186789-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not receiving antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the hidden reservoirs of the SIV virus in the body, particularly focusing on how it survives in immune cells despite treatment. The study aims to understand the formation and dynamics of these reservoirs, especially in the early stages of infection and treatment. By examining the role of different types of immune cells, including memory and naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes, the research seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to better strategies for eradicating the virus. Patients living with HIV may find this research relevant as it addresses a critical barrier to achieving long-term remission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for eliminating the SIV virus from the body, potentially transforming treatment for HIV-positive patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding viral reservoirs, but this specific approach focusing on early reservoir dynamics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitney, James Burton — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Whitney, James Burton
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.