How certain immune cells keep HIV-like virus suppressed after stopping treatment
Characterizing the mechanism of post-treatment control of SIV in Mauritian cynomolgus macaques
Researchers are learning how CD8+ immune cells can keep an HIV-like virus under control after antiretroviral drugs are stopped, with the goal of helping people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323958 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses Mauritian cynomolgus macaques infected with SIV (a monkey version of HIV) to model what happens when antiretroviral therapy (ART) is stopped. Animals receive ART beginning shortly after infection, then ART is interrupted and viral levels are closely monitored to see who keeps the virus suppressed. The team removes CD8+ cells in some animals to test whether those cells are required for control, and they examine which types of CD8+ cells are responsible. They also test immune-boosting approaches such as the IL-15 superagonist N-803 to see if CD8+ responses can be strengthened to delay or prevent rebound.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Findings are most relevant to people living with HIV who started ART early after infection and are stable on treatment, who could be candidates for future immune-based remission trials.
Not a fit: People with long-standing untreated HIV, advanced immune damage, or significant medical comorbidities may be less likely to benefit from strategies based on this model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to immune-based approaches that help some people living with HIV maintain drug-free remission.
How similar studies have performed: Rare human cases and some animal studies have shown post-treatment control and a role for CD8+ cells, but using the Mauritian macaque model and IL-15 approaches together is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oconnor, Shelby L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Oconnor, Shelby L
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.