How HIV Hides in Brain Cells
The Role of Myeloid Cells in HIV Latency and Persistence in the Brain
This research looks at how HIV might hide in certain brain cells, called myeloid cells, even when people are on treatment, to help find new ways to cure HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099665 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Even with effective HIV medication, the virus can hide in certain cells, making a complete cure challenging. This project focuses on understanding how HIV might hide in specific brain cells, known as myeloid cells, including microglia and macrophages. These hidden virus reservoirs in the brain could be a reason why some people with HIV experience neurological problems. Researchers are carefully studying brain tissue and spinal fluid samples from individuals living with HIV to pinpoint exactly where and how the virus persists. The ultimate goal is to use this knowledge to develop new and more effective strategies to eliminate HIV from the body entirely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is foundational and does not directly recruit patients, but future studies building on this work would be relevant for people living with HIV, especially those experiencing neurological symptoms or interested in HIV cure strategies.
Not a fit: Patients not living with HIV would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target HIV hiding in the brain, potentially improving neurological health and bringing us closer to a cure.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of CD4+ T cells as HIV reservoirs is well-established, the specific focus on myeloid cells in the brain as a distinct reservoir is a newer area of investigation, building on prior findings in animal models and human tissue.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wahl, Angela Raquel — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Wahl, Angela Raquel
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.