How children's immune systems shape hidden HIV reservoirs
Immune determinants of pediatric HIV/SIV reservoir establishment and maintenance
This project looks at how the immune systems of babies, children, and teens and their microbes influence hidden HIV that stays in the body despite treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child takes part, researchers will study blood and tissue samples to see how the young immune system and microbes affect hidden HIV that persists despite treatment. They will measure immune cell types, thymic output, and host and microbial metabolites, and combine human samples with laboratory models to trace how reservoirs are seeded and maintained. The team brings together investigators at Emory with collaborators at the NIH, the Kirby Institute, and Université de Montréal to compare findings across ages from infancy through adolescence and to guide child-specific cure approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV, including those on antiretroviral therapy, are the primary candidates whose samples and data would be relevant.
Not a fit: People without HIV or adults whose immune systems differ from children's would not directly benefit from this pediatric-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new cure strategies tailored for children that reduce or eliminate the hidden HIV reservoir and potentially allow longer treatment-free remission.
How similar studies have performed: Adult studies have mapped HIV reservoirs and tested early cure approaches, but pediatric reservoir biology is less studied and this program aims to fill that gap.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chahroudi, Ann M — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Chahroudi, Ann M
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.