How an HIV protein may speed up artery disease in people with HIV
Nef in impaired efferocytosis: a novel mechanism for vascular disease in HIV
This project will look at whether tiny particles carrying an HIV protein called Nef make immune cells fail to clear dead cells and so speed artery disease in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170486 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I live with HIV, this project looks at tiny particles released by infected cells that carry an HIV protein called Nef and how they affect immune cells in my arteries. The team will examine whether these Nef-containing extracellular vesicles change macrophage subtypes and stop macrophages from clearing dead cells (a process called efferocytosis). They will combine lab experiments, animal models, and analysis of patient samples and sequencing data to see how these changes promote dangerous plaque buildup. The researchers aim to map the biology and find signals or targets that could lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults living with HIV—especially long-term survivors on antiretroviral therapy who may have risk factors for heart or blood vessel disease—who could provide clinical samples or participate in related studies.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those whose artery disease is caused by unrelated factors may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat faster artery disease in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows HIV proteins in extracellular vesicles can drive inflammation, but linking Nef to impaired efferocytosis and high-risk plaque formation is a newer, less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aikawa, Masanori — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Aikawa, Masanori
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.