Investigating how a protein from HIV affects heart disease risk in patients living with HIV
Official title: Nef in impaired efferocytosis: a novel mechanism for vascular disease in HIV
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10904071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein from HIV affects immune cells that can lead to heart problems, hoping to find new ways to help people with HIV reduce their risk of heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $771,902 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174066-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those who have been on anti-retroviral therapy and are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a protein called Nef, found in extracellular vesicles from HIV, influences the behavior of immune cells known as macrophages. These macrophages play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease. By examining how Nef alters macrophage functions and promotes inflammation, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in people living with HIV. The research employs advanced techniques, including ATAC sequencing, to analyze cellular changes and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing heart disease in individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting macrophage behavior can influence cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aikawa, Masanori — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Aikawa, Masanori
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.