Investigating how HIV reservoirs form in CD4 T cells after starting treatment.

Understanding HIV reservoir formation by profiling transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in CD4 T cells following ART initiation

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10903879

This study is looking at how HIV hides in certain cells even when people are on treatment, and it aims to find out how this happens so we can develop better ways to help people with HIV, possibly leading to a cure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10903879 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how HIV creates a reservoir of infected cells that persists even during treatment. By examining the changes in gene expression and chromatin structure in CD4 T cells after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind HIV latency. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing to profile these changes, which could lead to new strategies for preventing the establishment of these reservoirs. This work is crucial for developing effective treatments that could potentially lead to an HIV cure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are about to start antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are already on long-term ART may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in HIV treatment, potentially allowing for a cure by targeting the reservoirs of infected cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding HIV latency and reservoirs, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.