Immune-targeted approaches to shrink hidden HIV in children
Project-001
Testing whether changing immune signals (IL-10 and TGF-β) can reduce hidden HIV and lower the chance the virus returns in children living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312679 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child has HIV, this project focuses on how the newborn and childhood immune system helps HIV hide and stick around. Researchers will study blood and tissue samples to see how two immune signals, IL-10 and TGF-β, affect infected cell survival, thymic output, and virus rebound. The team will use lab studies informed by animal and human samples and may explore targeted ways to alter these signals to reduce the HIV reservoir. The ultimate aim is to design cure strategies made for the unique immune environments of children living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adolescents living with HIV (especially those diagnosed early and on antiretroviral therapy) would be the ideal candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV and many adults whose immune systems differ from children's are unlikely to benefit directly from this pediatric-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that reduce or eliminate hidden HIV in children so they may need less lifelong antiviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and lab studies have suggested links between IL-10/TGF-β and viral control, but clinical approaches targeting these pathways in children are still largely new.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pereira Ribeiro, Susan — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Pereira Ribeiro, Susan
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.