Investigating a new model for HIV infection using pigtail macaques

Pigtail Macaque Model of Human-Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

NIH-funded research Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-10683253

This study is creating a new way to study HIV using pigtail macaques, which will help researchers learn more about how the virus works and test new vaccines and treatments that could be more effective for people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project IDNIH-10683253 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new animal model for studying HIV infection by using pigtail macaques infected with a modified version of the virus. The approach involves substituting certain genes from HIV with those from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) to allow the virus to replicate in macaque cells. By enhancing the infectivity of this modified virus through serial passaging, researchers aim to better understand HIV pathogenesis and evaluate potential vaccines and treatments. This model could provide insights that are more relevant to human HIV infection compared to existing models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have conditions unrelated to HIV/AIDS may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments and vaccines for HIV/AIDS.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar approaches in developing animal models for HIV, but this specific method is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Antonio, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immuno-Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunologic Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.