Helping HIV-fighting T cells control the virus after stopping treatment
Targeting HIV-specific T cell differentiation programs to enhance post-treatment control of HIV
This project works to boost special HIV-specific T cells so they can better keep HIV suppressed when people stop antiretroviral therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers are testing whether 'stem-like' HIV-specific T cells that can renew themselves are better at holding the virus down after ART is stopped. They study human HIV-specific CD8+ T cells and focus on a gene called TCF-1 that promotes stem/memory traits, using lab experiments and mouse models to see how these cells expand and fight HIV. The team will compare stem-like versus effector-differentiated T cells and try increasing TCF-1 to see if that improves cell growth and virus control. The work aims to identify which T cell programs could be used in future immune-based therapies to maintain control of HIV without continuous drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV — especially those on suppressive ART who could donate blood samples now or join future immune-therapy trials — are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People without HIV, and individuals who cannot safely interrupt ART or who have severely weakened immune systems, are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to immune therapies that help some people control HIV without lifelong antiretroviral drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies show stem-like T cells and TCF-1 can improve T cell expansion and cancer control, but it is not yet proven that this will control HIV in people after stopping ART.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rutishauser, Rachel Lena — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Rutishauser, Rachel Lena
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.