How HIV reservoirs form and stay hidden
Phylodynamic mechanisms of HIV reservoir seeding and maintenance
['FUNDING_R01'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11193542
Researchers will combine viral, immune, and genetic data from people with HIV to model how hidden HIV-infected cells form and persist on and off treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193542 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will use your viral load results, HIV RNA/DNA sequences, CD4 and CD8 cell counts, and T-cell receptor data to build mathematical models of infection inside the body. They will compare early untreated infection, chronic infection, long-term treated infection, and samples taken during planned treatment interruptions to see when and how the reservoir is seeded and maintained. The team will study processes such as infected cell proliferation and immune-driven selection to learn which mechanisms keep the reservoir alive. The work combines published and new laboratory data with computational modeling to inform future cure-focused approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who can provide blood samples or have linked viral sequence and immune data—especially those on antiretroviral therapy or with samples from before or during treatment interruptions—would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without HIV, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment changes rather than contributing samples or data for future cure research, are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal the main ways HIV hides in the body and guide better strategies aimed at curing HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Other groups combining HIV sequencing and mathematical modeling have provided useful insights into the reservoir but have not yet produced a proven cure, so this builds on promising but still-developing work.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REEVES, DANIEL — FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- Study coordinator: REEVES, DANIEL
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus