Investigating how blocking a specific receptor affects HIV reservoirs in the brain and body after stopping treatment.
Effects of CSF1R Blockade on Repopulation of SIV Reservoirs from the CNS to the Periphery After Antiretroviral Therapy Interruption
This study is looking at how a certain immune cell in the brain can hide HIV and cause it to come back after treatment stops, and it’s testing a drug that might help get rid of these hidden virus spots in monkeys to find better ways to keep HIV from returning in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10872289 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a specific type of immune cell in the brain that can harbor HIV and potentially cause the virus to rebound after treatment is stopped. By using a drug that blocks the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), the study aims to eliminate these viral reservoirs in the central nervous system (CNS) of macaques. The researchers will observe the effects of this treatment both early and late during antiretroviral therapy (ART) to understand how it impacts the spread of the virus once therapy is interrupted. The findings could provide insights into new strategies for preventing HIV rebound in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and may be at risk of treatment interruption.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have not been on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent HIV from rebounding after stopping antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar immune cells to reduce viral reservoirs, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chestnut Hill, United States
- Boston College — Chestnut Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Kenneth C — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Williams, Kenneth C
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.