How natural killer (NK) cell genes influence HIV-like infections
KIR and MHC Class I Immunogenetics in SIV Infection
This work looks at how differences in NK cell receptors and their MHC class I partners affect control of HIV-like viruses, with the goal of helping people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11223304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, scientists are using a rhesus macaque model to map how NK cell receptors (KIRs and NKG2A/C) interact with MHC class I molecules and viral peptides. They will create laboratory reagents such as antibodies and MHC class I tetramers to identify these receptors on real NK cells. The team will test whether viral peptide changes and adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells change how well the immune system controls SIV, an HIV-like virus. Findings are meant to clarify mechanisms that could guide future NK-cell-directed therapies for HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who might consider donating blood samples for related research or enrolling in future NK-cell-focused clinical trials would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those seeking an immediate new treatment should not expect direct or immediate benefit from this preclinical, animal-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to harness NK cells or predict disease course in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Human genetic studies have linked KIR and HLA differences to HIV outcomes, but detailed receptor–ligand mechanisms and the role of adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells remain incompletely understood, so this work builds on prior findings while addressing novel questions.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, David T — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Evans, David T
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.