Exploring new ways to control HIV-1 infection in children
Official title: Pioneering Precision Medicine Approaches for Immune Control of Pediatric HIV-1 Infection
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10914864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help kids and teens with HIV-1 by boosting their immune systems to better control the virus, aiming for a functional cure that doesn't require completely getting rid of it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $149,559 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HD107670-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants, children, and teenagers who are HIV-1 infected and starting antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not HIV-1 infected or those who are adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative strategies to achieve a functional cure for HIV-1 infection in infants, children, and teenagers. It aims to understand how the immune system can be harnessed to target and control HIV-1 proviruses without needing to eliminate them completely. By analyzing the dynamics of viral reservoirs and the role of therapeutic vaccination, the study seeks to enhance immune responses in young patients who start antiretroviral therapy early in their infection. The approach is based on the observation that certain individuals, known as elite controllers, have unique patterns of viral integration that may inform new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for HIV-1 in children, potentially reducing the need for lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immune-mediated approaches to control HIV-1, suggesting that this study builds on a foundation of successful strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lichterfeld, Mathias — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Lichterfeld, Mathias
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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.