How inflammation and two genes (CD101 and AXL) affect sexual HIV risk
The push and pull of inflammation on HIV susceptibility: impact of host variation in CD101 and AXL
This work looks at how differences in two immune-related genes, CD101 and AXL, change inflammation and the chance of catching HIV from sexual exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to help researchers understand why some people remain resistant to HIV despite exposure by allowing them to study your blood cells and genetic information. The team compares immune cell activation and antiviral gene responses in people with different versions of CD101 and AXL and performs lab tests to see how those differences change vulnerability to HIV. This builds on earlier findings that certain CD101 variants increased risk while some AXL variants lowered risk. Participation may involve giving blood samples and sharing medical or exposure history so scientists can link gene differences to immune behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are sexually active adults at risk for HIV infection who are willing to provide blood samples and clinical or exposure information.
Not a fit: People not at risk for sexual HIV exposure or those already well protected by consistent PrEP or a partner with suppressive ART are unlikely to receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new prevention approaches that reduce sexual HIV transmission by targeting inflammation or the CD101/AXL pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and laboratory studies have linked CD101 and AXL to differences in HIV risk and immune activation, but translating those findings into prevention strategies is still new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lingappa, Jairam Rao — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Lingappa, Jairam Rao
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.