Investigating how HIV-1 hides in the brain
Official title: Understanding the mechanisms involved in HIV-1 CNS latency
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11176904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-1 can hide in the brain and other parts of the body even when people are taking their medication, and it aims to find out how to wake up the virus so we can better get rid of it for those living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $636,692 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and have neurological involvement or concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how HIV-1 can remain hidden in the brain and other tissues of people living with HIV, even when they are on treatment. The study aims to explore the mechanisms that allow the virus to establish a state of latency, where it can stay inactive for long periods. By examining specific brain cells, such as microglia and macrophages, the researchers hope to identify the factors that contribute to this latency and how it can be disrupted. This could lead to new strategies for eliminating the virus from the central nervous system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that effectively target and eliminate HIV-1 reservoirs in the brain, potentially leading to a functional cure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding HIV latency in peripheral tissues, but this specific focus on the central nervous system is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayyavoo, Velpandi — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ayyavoo, Velpandi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.