How HIV Hides in the Kidneys

Mechanisms of HIV persistence in the kidney

['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11142990

This project explores how HIV stays hidden in the kidneys of people living with the virus, even with treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11142990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Even with effective treatments, HIV can remain in the body, hiding in certain places like the kidneys. This project aims to understand how HIV infects kidney cells and stays there over time. Researchers are studying kidney cells and urine samples from people with HIV to learn more about how the virus hides and reactivates. This information is crucial for developing new strategies to completely remove HIV from the body. Understanding these hidden viral compartments is a key step towards finding a cure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research focuses on understanding HIV persistence in the kidneys of people living with HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or kidney involvement related to HIV may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to target and eliminate hidden HIV reservoirs in the kidneys, bringing us closer to a cure for HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While the persistence of HIV reservoirs is a known challenge, this specific focus on the kidney as a unique viral compartment and the use of urine samples for detection represents a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.