HIV persistence in the kidney: why the kidney may hide HIV and how we can study it
Official title: Mechanisms of HIV persistence in the kidney
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11601593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how HIV can hide in the kidney so we can better target a cure and prevent ongoing kidney damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $817,376 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DK131497-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11601593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who have or are at risk for HIV-associated kidney disease, and who can provide urine or tissue samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or without kidney involvement related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV infects kidney cells and how the virus can persist there even with ART. Researchers have found that the kidney may serve as a unique reservoir and have developed ways to detect HIV in urine samples to monitor what’s happening in the kidneys over time. By examining kidney tissue and urine-derived HIV, the study aims to understand how viral reactivation occurs in this organ and what it means for potential cures. The work involves analyzing patient samples and applying specialized techniques to track viral activity in the kidney compartment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could inform new strategies to clear HIV from the kidney and reduce related kidney disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous findings suggest the kidney can harbor HIV; this study seeks to deepen understanding and translate it toward cure strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blasi, Maria — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Blasi, Maria
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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.