NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How BCL2 protein changes affect HIV infection and treatment response

Official title: IMPACT OF BCL2 PHOSPHORYLATION ON HIV DYNAMICS, RESERVOIR SIZE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO VENETOCLAX

Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11118296 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called BCL2 changes during HIV infection and how that affects the way a drug called Venetoclax works, with the goal of finding better ways to treat people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$682,446
NIH project number1R56AI183801-01
Project IDNIH-11118296 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have not achieved viral suppression or have a high viral load.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have achieved long-term viral suppression may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of BCL2 protein phosphorylation in the dynamics of HIV infection and how it influences the effectiveness of the drug Venetoclax. By examining T cells that persist after HIV infection, the study aims to understand how modifications to BCL2 can affect cell death and the size of the HIV reservoir in the body. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including CRISPR technology, to create specific cell lines that will help them analyze the interactions between BCL2, HIV replication, and treatment responses. This work could lead to improved strategies for targeting HIV-infected cells and enhancing treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for HIV by enhancing the ability to eliminate infected cells.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with Venetoclax in targeting HIV-infected cells, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Mayo Clinic Rochester
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Badley, Andrew D — Mayo Clinic Rochester
  • Study coordinator: Badley, Andrew D

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.