Exploring new sources of HIV in the lungs
Official title: Investigating Novel HIV Reservoirs in the Pulmonary Vasculature
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-10838211 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV can hide in certain cells in the lungs, which might keep the infection going even when people are taking their medication, and it aims to find new ways to help get rid of the virus for better treatment results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,153 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI181657-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10838211 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those experiencing complications related to pulmonary health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not have any pulmonary complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how HIV can hide in specific cells within the pulmonary vasculature, which may contribute to ongoing infection even when patients are on antiretroviral therapy. The study focuses on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, which preliminary findings suggest can harbor the virus and release it, potentially leading to further infection. By understanding these reservoirs, the research aims to identify new strategies to eliminate HIV and improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach includes laboratory assays and analysis of cellular behavior in response to HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for eradicating HIV reservoirs, potentially paving the way for a cure.
How similar studies have gone: While research on HIV reservoirs has been conducted, the focus on pulmonary vasculature as a significant source of HIV is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Almodovar, Sharilyn — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Almodovar, Sharilyn
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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.