How antiretroviral therapy affects the immune system development of fetuses exposed to HIV
Official title: The impact of antiretroviral therapy on fetal immune system development in SIV-exposed rhesus macaques
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10995559 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $534,721 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD114264-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995559 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women living with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who are not living with HIV will not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varlamov, Oleg — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Varlamov, Oleg
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.