How NETosis affects HIV progression and treatment
Impact of NETosis on SIV Pathogenesis and Response to Treatment
This project explores how certain immune cell traps, called NETs, contribute to health problems in people living with HIV, even when they are on treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11087531 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Even with effective HIV treatment, many people still experience issues like gut problems, ongoing inflammation, and a higher risk of heart disease. Our past work suggests that overactive immune cells called neutrophils, which release sticky traps known as NETs, might be a major cause of these complications. We've observed that these NETs increase during untreated SIV infection (a model for HIV) and are not fully reduced by treatment. These NETs might also harm other immune cells and increase the risk of blood clots. This project aims to understand the role of NETs in HIV disease progression and how people respond to treatment by directly studying them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in understanding the underlying causes of complications in HIV, particularly those experiencing ongoing inflammation or cardiovascular issues despite antiretroviral therapy.
Not a fit: Patients not living with HIV or those without the specific complications being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat serious health issues like heart disease and persistent inflammation in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has identified a link between NETs and disease progression in SIV infection, suggesting this approach builds on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vasile Pandrea, Ivona — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vasile Pandrea, Ivona
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.