Investigating how nuclear receptors can help control HIV infection in the brain
Official title: Nuclear receptor regulation of epigenetic mechanisms regulating HIV CNS latency
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11080975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific proteins in brain cells might help turn off HIV hiding in the central nervous system, which could lead to better treatments for people living with HIV who also have neurological issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $718,553 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134316-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing neurological symptoms or cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
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.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain nuclear receptors can regulate HIV latency in the central nervous system, particularly in microglial cells, which are key targets for HIV infection. By using advanced cellular models derived from human stem cells, the researchers aim to explore how activating these receptors can potentially silence HIV and prevent its persistence despite antiretroviral therapy. The study employs innovative techniques to analyze the interactions between HIV and brain cells, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing HIV-related neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce HIV infection in the brain, improving outcomes for patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting nuclear receptors in HIV research is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in other contexts, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karn, Jonathan — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Karn, Jonathan
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.