How tiny DNA fragments in the blood may help the immune system control HIV
Official title: Innate Sensing of Cell-Free DNA and the Interferon-Mediated Control of HIV In Vivo
Funded at Vitalant · NIH-11323572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores whether tiny fragments of DNA in the blood trigger immune signals that help delay HIV coming back in people on HIV treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vitalant NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $359,333 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172754-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who are stably suppressed on ART and willing to provide blood samples and possibly take part in a monitored treatment interruption are the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV, those with uncontrolled or advanced infection, or those who cannot safely pause ART are unlikely to participate or benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze blood samples from people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy to measure levels of cell-free DNA and related immune signals. They will compare those measurements with how quickly virus returns after a planned, closely monitored pause in treatment (analytical treatment interruption). Lab experiments and animal models will be used alongside the human samples to understand how cell-free DNA activates interferon pathways that might suppress HIV. The team aims to identify blood markers or immune mechanisms that predict or promote longer periods without detectable virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to blood tests or immune-based strategies that help people maintain HIV remission without continuous ART.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked immune markers to delayed viral rebound, but using circulating cell-free DNA as a predictor or therapeutic target is a relatively new and emerging idea.
Where this research is happening
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Vitalant
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pillai, Satish Kumar — Vitalant
- Study coordinator: Pillai, Satish Kumar
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.