Improving T Cell Function to Fight HIV
Official title: Modulating T Cell Activation to Combat HIV Persistence
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10948156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make T cells, which help fight HIV, work better in people on HIV medication, with the hope of finding new treatments that could reduce or even eliminate the need for lifelong therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $500,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI184606-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and are interested in new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and enhancing the function of T cells, which are crucial for fighting HIV. It aims to identify the molecular pathways that affect T cell sensitivity to HIV antigens, particularly in patients who are on antiretroviral therapy. By exploring how T cells can be better activated and how they interact with other immune cells, the research seeks to develop new therapies that could potentially eliminate the need for lifelong medication in people living with HIV. The approach includes examining the mechanisms that lead to T cell dysfunction and finding ways to modulate these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that allow people with HIV to control the virus without continuous medication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing T cell responses in HIV, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, David Randolph — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Collins, David Randolph
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.