Investigating how HIV interacts with brain cells to control infection

Productive and latent HIV infection of microglia: virus and host wrestle for SUMOylation system control

NIH-funded research Rowan University School/osteopathic Med · NIH-11258440

This study is looking at how HIV impacts certain brain cells that help with the immune system, and it hopes to find new ways to keep the virus from causing problems, which could lead to better treatments for people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRowan University School/osteopathic Med NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stratford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11258440 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how HIV affects microglial cells in the brain, which are crucial for the immune response and can harbor the virus. The study aims to explore the role of SUMO proteins in regulating HIV replication and latency, potentially leading to new strategies for achieving sustained remission from HIV. By examining the interactions between the virus and the host's cellular mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with HIV-related central nervous system dysfunction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those experiencing neurological symptoms or complications related to the virus.

Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not have any neurological complications related to HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that help achieve long-term remission from HIV and reduce associated neurological complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting viral latency and manipulating host cellular mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.

Where this research is happening

Stratford, 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 Virus
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.