How certain gene versions help HIV hide in people who use cocaine
Investigate Host Gene Isoforms Contributing to HIV Persistence in Cocaine Users
This project looks at how different forms of a human gene affect long-term HIV hiding (persistence) in people living with HIV, especially those who use cocaine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172455 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's point of view, researchers will compare blood cells from people who control HIV naturally (elite controllers), people on ART, untreated people, and healthy volunteers. They will use RNA sequencing to find alternative gene splice forms, focusing on variants like CREM/ICER that might change how cells let HIV stay hidden. Lab experiments will test how these gene versions influence HIV activity and the size or behavior of viral reservoirs. The work aims to find host targets that could be used to reduce residual HIV, with special attention to how cocaine use changes these processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people living with HIV — including those who use cocaine — across groups such as elite controllers, people on suppressive ART, and ART‑naive individuals who can provide blood samples.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those expecting immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from participating in this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to target the human cell processes that let HIV persist, potentially helping clear hidden virus and improve cure strategies, especially for people who use cocaine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous RNA sequencing work has found host gene differences in elite controllers and other HIV groups, but turning those findings into proven therapies to eliminate viral reservoirs remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jian — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jian
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.