HIV Reservoirs and Metabolic Complications under ART
Official title: HIV Reservoir Dynamics Associated with Metabolic Complications of HIV Infection
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11416550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at why aging people with HIV on stable treatment develop weight, liver, heart, and cancer problems, by studying how HIV persists in the body and affects metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,739,081 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK143536-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who are on long-term ART with viral suppression and who have or are at risk for metabolic comorbidities like obesity, diabetes, or fatty liver.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not living with HIV or those not on ART, or those without metabolic health concerns, may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
People living with HIV who are on long-term antiretroviral therapy face age-related health problems that may be linked to immune activation and metabolic changes. The study aims to understand how HIV-infected cells persist in lymph tissues and how this persistence might influence metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease. By examining immune signals and tissue reservoirs, researchers hope to identify factors driving these comorbidities and potential targets for intervention. The findings could inform strategies to reduce non-AIDS-related illness and improve healthy aging for PWH. This work is conducted at the University of Minnesota with a focus on translating insights into better patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new approaches to prevent or mitigate metabolic and age-related diseases in people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked HIV persistence and immune activation to metabolic disturbances; this project extends those findings in a focused tissue and biomarker context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schacker, Timothy W — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Schacker, Timothy W
Related research
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Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This project studies heart tissue changes in women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy, to understand why they’re at higher risk for heart problems as they age.
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Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This grant studies heart tissue changes in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to understand why heart failure risk is higher in this group.
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.