How programmed cell death harms the retina in CMV eye infections linked to HIV

Programmed cell death and cytomegalovirus retinitis pathogenesis

['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11303370

Researchers are learning how different types of programmed cell death cause retinal damage in CMV eye infections that affect people with advanced HIV.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorGEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11303370 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research uses a mouse model that mimics immune suppression seen in advanced HIV to study cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections of the retina. Scientists will examine three types of programmed cell death—apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis—to see which ones drive tissue damage and inflammation in the infected eye. The team will compare animals with specific cell-death pathways altered and measure retinal injury, viral spread, and immune responses. Findings are intended to point toward biological processes that could be targeted to protect vision in people with CMV retinitis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant to people with advanced HIV/AIDS who are at risk for or have CMV retinitis.

Not a fit: People without HIV or CMV infection and those with retinal disease caused by nonviral conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify targets to prevent or reduce retinal damage and vision loss from CMV retinitis in people with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked programmed cell death to viral retinal injury, but combining analysis of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in this MAIDS/MCMV mouse model is a relatively new approach.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.