How treating a virus in HIV patients may lower heart disease risk
Official title: Impact of Treating Asymptomatic CMV Replication on Cardiovascular Risk in Treated HIV Infection
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10891816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether treating a common virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) can help improve heart health for people living with HIV who are on medication, and it involves testing a new antiviral drug to see if it can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $93,412 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL152957-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and have asymptomatic CMV replication.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not have asymptomatic CMV replication may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of asymptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in increasing cardiovascular risk among people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy. The study aims to determine if treating this viral replication can reduce inflammation and improve heart health in these patients. By utilizing a clinical trial that tests a new antiviral drug, letermovir, the research will assess changes in vascular inflammation and endothelial function. Participants will be monitored for cardiovascular health indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health and reduced heart disease risk for HIV patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that treating asymptomatic CMV replication can reduce inflammatory markers in HIV patients, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hunt, Peter W — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hunt, Peter W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Reducing heart disease risk in people with HIV by treating hidden CMV virus
Treating hidden CMV replication in people living with HIV who are on ART may lower vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
-
Effects of treating a virus on heart health in HIV patients
This study is looking at whether treating a common virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) can help improve heart health in people living with HIV who don’t have symptoms, by using a new antiviral drug, letermovir, to see if it reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of heart problems.
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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.