How certain immune cells may hide HIV in the brain and body and cause viral rebound
Role of myeloid cells in CNS and systemic reservoirs and rebound
This work looks at whether myeloid immune cells in the brain and other tissues hide HIV and can make the virus come back in people on antiretroviral therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238997 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join this work, researchers will examine brain and other tissue samples to find pockets of active HIV that persist during treatment and to see which cells harbor rebound virus. The team analyzes tissue biopsies and autopsy samples and compares findings with animal models to map where virus is persisting and how it restarts after stopping therapy. They focus on myeloid cells (a type of immune cell) and how immune responses at the time treatment began may influence rebound. The goal is to identify the reservoir cells and locations that lead to rapid return of virus when treatment is interrupted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who are on suppressive antiretroviral therapy and willing to provide tissue samples or consider carefully supervised treatment interruption would be the most suitable candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those who cannot safely provide tissue samples or stop therapy temporarily are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to specific cells or tissue sites to target so fewer people experience rapid HIV rebound and move the field closer to a cure.
How similar studies have performed: Animal (SIV) studies have shown myeloid cells can harbor rebound virus early after treatment interruption, but applying these findings to human cure strategies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hope, Thomas — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Hope, Thomas
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.