Finding and removing HIV-1 from brain cells

HIV-1DetectionandEliminationFrom CNS Mononuclear Phagocytes

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11131195

This research looks for ways to find and get rid of the HIV-1 virus that hides in certain brain cells of people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-11131195 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Even with effective HIV medication, the virus can sometimes hide in specific brain cells, acting as a 'reservoir' that makes it hard to completely clear the infection. This hidden virus can contribute to health issues for people living with HIV. Our goal is to better understand how HIV enters the brain and infects these particular cells, and to learn more about the size and nature of these hidden virus pockets. By gaining this knowledge, we hope to develop new strategies to detect and eliminate the virus from these brain reservoirs, moving closer to a cure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research focuses on understanding HIV in the brain of people living with HIV who are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or are not on antiretroviral therapy would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that completely remove HIV from the brain, improving long-term health for people living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of HIV reservoirs is known, this specific approach aims to fill gaps in understanding the brain's viral reservoirs, suggesting a novel focus.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.