Human proteins that keep HIV hidden or make it resurface
Host factors regulating HIV latency and reactivation
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11222665
Researchers are testing drugs that lock HIV into an inactive state so people on antiretroviral therapy can keep the virus suppressed and avoid rebound.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11222665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on drugs that target human proteins to keep HIV switched off (a “block-and-lock” approach). The team builds on lab and animal findings with compounds like didehydro-Cortistatin A (dCA) and spironolactone that suppressed HIV and prevented viral rebound. Researchers will study how these drugs change the HIV promoter, chromatin, and host factors using cells from people with HIV alongside laboratory models. The goal is to combine these approaches with ART to reduce low-level virus and lower the chance that HIV comes back if therapy is stopped.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on stable suppressive ART and willing to provide blood samples or participate at clinical sites would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People not on ART, those with uncontrolled or advanced HIV, or whose virus does not respond to these transcriptional approaches may not see benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reduce residual virus on ART and help prevent viral rebound, moving toward long-term remission without continuous treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal studies with the Tat inhibitor dCA and spironolactone showed promising suppression and blocked rebound, but testing in people remains limited.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VALENTE, SUSANA T — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: VALENTE, SUSANA 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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus