How HIV hides in resting T cells when stimulated by endothelial cells
Official title: Mechanisms of HIV infection in resting CD4+ T cells stimulated by endothelial cells
Funded at Calvin University · NIH-11409604 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project explores how HIV can persist in resting CD4+ T cells when they interact with endothelial cells in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Calvin University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $450,764 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI195005-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409604 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV on ART who may harbor latent virus in resting CD4+ T cells.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or those not on ART are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why a latent HIV reservoir forms in resting CD4+ T cells and how cell interactions in lymphoid tissues contribute to this persistence. Researchers will study the role of endothelial cells and specific T cell surface proteins to understand how HIV infection becomes latent. The study focuses on identifying key molecules and T cell subtypes that are associated with HIV presence in these stimulated cells, using laboratory experiments relevant to human biology. Results could point toward new strategies to limit viral persistence and improve long-term treatment outcomes for people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform approaches to reduce the latent HIV reservoir and support therapies aiming for a functional cure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that endothelial cells can influence HIV infection and latency in T cells, but the exact mechanisms remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Anding — Calvin University
- Study coordinator: Shen, Anding
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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.