Investigating how hepatitis B virus behaves in patients with and without HIV
Official title: HBV cccDNA transcriptional silencing with and without HIV
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11142428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the hepatitis B virus works with the immune system in people who also have HIV, to find out how we can better treat and possibly cure those who are dealing with both infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $818,465 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181659-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic hepatitis B, particularly those who are also living with HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic hepatitis B or HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the hepatitis B virus (HBV) interacts with the immune system, particularly in individuals who are also infected with HIV. The study aims to explore the mechanisms behind the suppression of HBV DNA in the liver during antiviral treatment, which is crucial for developing a potential cure. By comparing liver samples from patients with HBV alone and those co-infected with HIV, researchers will use advanced techniques to analyze viral behavior at the cellular level. This could lead to new insights into effective treatments for those affected by both viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and potentially a functional cure for patients with chronic hepatitis B, especially those co-infected with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding viral interactions in co-infections, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balagopal, Ashwin — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Balagopal, Ashwin
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.