Gene therapy to remove hidden HIV from brain immune cells
Long-term microglia-targeted endogenous retrovirus-like particle (ERVLP) delivery of Cas12f editor to cure HIV
A new gene-editing delivery aims to clear hidden HIV from brain immune cells in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131076 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a way to deliver a very small gene editor (Cas12f) into brain immune cells called microglia, which can hide HIV even when blood virus is controlled. The team will use engineered AAV viruses together with a natural particle-making system (PEG10-based ERVLPs) to carry the editor across the blood-brain barrier and into microglia. Work includes lab and animal tests to improve delivery, measure how well the editor removes HIV from brain cells, and check safety. The goal is a long-lasting, targeted approach that could one day be tested in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, especially adults on stable antiretroviral therapy who have suspected brain reservoirs or HIV-associated cognitive symptoms, would be the population for future trials.
Not a fit: People without HIV, or those with medical conditions that make them ineligible for gene therapies, would not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could remove HIV reservoirs in the brain, reduce chronic neuroinflammation and cognitive problems, and move toward a functional cure.
How similar studies have performed: Other CRISPR-based HIV approaches have shown early promise and entered phase I testing, but using Cas12f delivered via PEG10-based ERVLPs to target microglia is a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Wenhui — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hu, Wenhui
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 below.