How antiretroviral therapy affects the immune system development of fetuses exposed to HIV

The impact of antiretroviral therapy on fetal immune system development in SIV-exposed rhesus macaques

['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10995559

This study looks at how antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy affects the immune system development of babies in moms living with HIV, using a monkey model to help us understand why some babies exposed to HIV but not infected might have more health challenges.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10995559 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the immune system development of fetuses in pregnant women living with HIV. Using a model of rhesus macaques, the study will compare the immune responses of fetuses from mothers treated with ART and those exposed to the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The research aims to understand how both HIV and ART influence fetal immune cell development, which could help explain why HIV-exposed but uninfected children face higher health risks. By analyzing fetuses obtained through Caesarean section, the study will provide insights into the immune system's maturation in these vulnerable populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women living with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who are not living with HIV will not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for HIV-exposed children by informing better treatment strategies for pregnant women living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that ART can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV, indicating potential for impactful findings.

Where this research is happening

PORTLAND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus, Airway infections

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.