Investigating how CARD8 inflammasome affects HIV-1 infection
Official title: Understand the role of CARD8 inflammasome in HIV-1 infection
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11077212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of your immune system called CARD8 interacts with the HIV virus and how this could help us find better ways to treat people living with HIV by targeting hidden virus reservoirs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 21, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $701,978 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI162203-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077212 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and have not achieved a complete viral eradication.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those who have not responded to antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the CARD8 inflammasome in HIV-1 infection, particularly how it interacts with the virus and influences the immune response. The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which HIV-1 protease affects CARD8 activation, which could lead to new strategies for targeting latent HIV reservoirs in patients. By examining the relationship between the virus and the inflammasome, researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic approaches that could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help eradicate HIV-1 from the body, improving outcomes for patients living with the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting viral components for HIV treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shan, Liang — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Shan, Liang
Related research
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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.