Investigating how certain immune signals can help eliminate HIV

STudy of Acute HIV for investiGating Eradication Strategies (STAGES): The role of IL-10 and IFN signaling

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11084999

This study is looking at how certain immune signals might help people with HIV who were treated early in their infection, to see if boosting these signals can help reduce the virus in their bodies and lead to better treatment options for a lasting cure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11084999 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding a potential cure for HIV by studying the role of specific immune signals, particularly interleukin-10 (IL-10) and type I interferons (IFNs), in patients treated during acute HIV infection. The researchers will analyze a unique group of individuals who received treatment shortly after infection to see if enhancing these immune signals can accelerate the decay of the HIV reservoir, which is the source of viral rebound after treatment stops. By understanding how these signals influence viral control, the study aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for achieving a functional cure for HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with acute HIV infection and are beginning antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have been living with chronic HIV for more than two years may not benefit from this research as their immune responses may be exhausted.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help eliminate HIV from the body, offering hope for a functional cure.

How similar studies have performed: While many HIV cure trials have been unsuccessful, this research takes a novel approach by focusing on patients treated during acute infection, which has not been extensively tested before.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virusacute infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.