HIV in women: how immune cells in the genital tract stay activated
Official title: T-cell activation and exhaustion in the HIV-positive female genital tract
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11374842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study with HIV-positive women will look at how immune cells in the female genital tract behave even when HIV is treated, to understand why the immune system stays activated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,515,294 |
| NIH project number | 4R01HD114505-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are HIV-positive women on ART with preserved or ongoing mucosal immune alterations.
✕Less likely to help
HIV-positive women not undergoing ART or with severe co-morbidities may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine immune cells in the female genital tract of HIV-positive women, focusing on T and B cells and inflammatory signals that persist despite ART. Researchers will collect samples to analyze cell activation, exhaustion markers, and local immune responses to understand why mucosal immunity remains disrupted. The goal is to paint a clearer picture of how HIV affects immune function differently in women and to identify potential targets for improving mucosal immunity. The findings could inform future therapies to reduce ongoing immune activation and related complications in women living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could guide new approaches to restore healthier immune function in the genital tract for HIV-positive women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown mucosal immune activation persists in HIV, but this study focuses on women and genital tract immunity for targeted insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclelland, Raymond Scott — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Mcclelland, Raymond Scott
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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.