Investigating how CD38 affects immune activation in women with HIV
Official title: CD38 intensifies immune activation in women living with HIV (the CIGNAL study)
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10872841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CD38 affects the immune system in women with HIV, to understand why they may face more health challenges than men, even when on treatment, and it involves giving blood samples to help find better ways to support their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD115013-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 21 and older who are living with HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women or those who are not living with HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of CD38, a protein that influences immune activation, in women living with HIV. It aims to explore why women experience higher rates of disease progression and mortality compared to men, even when receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). By examining immune responses and cellular markers in women, the study seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve health outcomes. Participants will provide blood samples to analyze the immune system's response to HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and health outcomes for women living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding immune activation in HIV can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathur, Poonam — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Mathur, Poonam
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.