How HIV‑2 hides in the body and ways to reverse it
HIV-2 latency and its reversal
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11146344
This project tries ways to wake up dormant HIV‑2 hiding in immune cells from people living with HIV‑2 so hidden virus can be found and targeted.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11146344 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing HIV‑2 to the better‑studied HIV‑1 to find differences in how the virus becomes and stays latent in CD4+ T cells. The team uses blood and cell samples from people in the HEAL cohort to map where HIV‑2 inserts into DNA and to measure intact versus defective viral copies. They are studying the viral protein Vpx and the human HUSH gene‑silencing machinery to see if disrupting that silencing can reactivate latent HIV‑2. Lab experiments on participant‑derived cells and longitudinal clinical samples will guide strategies for exposing and removing hidden virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people living with HIV‑2 who can provide blood samples and medical information and are willing to join the HEAL cohort at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Not a fit: People without HIV‑2 (including those only living with HIV‑1) or those unable to give blood or follow‑up data are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to expose and eliminate hidden HIV‑2, helping move toward a cure or safer long‑term control.
How similar studies have performed: Previous latency‑reversal work has focused on HIV‑1 and has shown mixed results, and applying these approaches specifically to HIV‑2 is relatively new and experimental.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TSIBRIS, ATHE M. — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: TSIBRIS, ATHE 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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus