Investigating a new treatment to control HIV infection in the brain
Official title: eCD4-Mediated Control of SIV Infection in the Brain
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11092714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gene therapy that uses a special virus to deliver a treatment called eCD4, aimed at helping people with HIV, especially those at risk for brain-related issues, by potentially providing a long-lasting solution instead of needing daily medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $830,924 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131098-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those experiencing or at risk for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not have any risk factors for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel gene therapy approach using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver an anti-HIV biologic called eCD4. The goal is to provide a long-lasting treatment option for individuals living with HIV, particularly those at risk of developing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). By potentially offering a 'functional' cure with a single treatment, this approach aims to reduce the reliance on daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its associated challenges. The study will explore how effectively eCD4 can prevent or treat HIV strains that specifically target the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a long-term solution for controlling HIV infection and preventing cognitive decline in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful trials using AAV for HIV treatment, this specific application targeting HAND is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farzan, Michael R. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Farzan, Michael R.
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.