HOPE: Stopping HIV with Genetic Changes
HOPE - HIV Obstruction by Programmed Epigenetics
This project explores a new way to permanently control HIV in people living with the virus by silencing and removing it from their cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11084564 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For many years, finding a complete cure for HIV has been a top priority, but the virus can hide in cells and reappear even with treatment. This project, called HOPE, proposes a new 'block-lock-excise' method to tackle this challenge. It aims to first silence the hidden virus, then lock it down so it can't reactivate, and finally remove it entirely from the body's cells. The goal is to transform the remaining HIV into a permanently inactive form, similar to how ancient viruses became harmless over millions of years.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is ultimately intended for people living with HIV who currently rely on antiretroviral therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a permanent cure for HIV, allowing people to live without the need for ongoing antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: This approach builds on decades of research into HIV latency and recent findings suggesting that deep silencing of the virus could lead to a functional cure, combining these insights with advanced genome-engineering technologies.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- J. David Gladstone Institutes — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ott, Melanie Maria — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Ott, Melanie Maria
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.