IL-21 therapy to boost lung immunity in HIV/TB co-infection
Official title: Enhancing pulmonary immune reconstitution and limiting viral persistence with IL-21 therapy in Mtb/SIV co-infection
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11406396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests an IL-21-based therapy added to HIV treatment to help the lungs control TB and reduce HIV persistence in people (or animal models that simulate them).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $927,025 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI194937-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with HIV/TB co-infection or preclinical models that mimic this condition, potentially including non-human primates or closely related human data used in translational research.
✕Less likely to help
The study uses animal models and early-stage approaches that may not directly benefit every patient in the near term.
What this research studies
This project uses an animal model of HIV/TB co-infection to see if adding IL-21-IgFc during early HIV treatment can strengthen immune responses in the lungs, improve macrophage function, and limit TB reactivation. Researchers will examine immune signaling, T cell balance, and viral reservoirs to understand how IL-21 affects disease control. The work builds on prior safety data in macaques and aims to translate findings into strategies that could benefit people living with HIV who are at risk for TB. Results could guide future clinical testing of IL-21-based approaches to enhance immune recovery and TB control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to better TB control and reduced HIV persistence in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows IL-21-IgFc therapy can be safe and supports mucosal immunity in SIV-infected macaques, with potential to improve TB/HIV control.
Where this research is happening
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Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharan, Riti — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Sharan, Riti
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.