Investigating how HIV hides in the spinal cord and brain
The Spinal Cord as a CNS Latent Reservoir for Replication Competent SIV
This study is looking at how HIV can hide in the spinal cord and brain of people on treatment, and it wants to find out how certain immune cells help the virus stay hidden, which could lead to better ways to get rid of it for good.
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 ID | NIH-10830903 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how HIV can remain hidden in the spinal cord and brain, even in patients receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART). It examines the role of specific immune cells, such as macrophages, in harboring the virus and how these cells respond when ART is interrupted. By studying the differences in viral behavior in these areas, the research aims to uncover why HIV can rebound in the spinal cord but not in the brain. This could lead to new strategies for eliminating latent HIV reservoirs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and may have neurological symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have never received antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that effectively target and eliminate hidden HIV reservoirs in the central nervous system.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting latent HIV reservoirs can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may also yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mankowski, Joseph L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mankowski, Joseph L
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 below.