Investigating how reproductive aging affects HIV persistence and immune responses in men and women
Official title: Sex-differences in HIV persistence and Immune Dynamics during Reproductive Aging
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10933530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects HIV in men and women, especially how lower estrogen levels in women might change the way their bodies handle the virus, with the goal of finding better treatment options that fit each gender's needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $795,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181655-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cisgender men and women living with HIV, particularly those experiencing reproductive aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or who are not within the reproductive aging spectrum may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the differences in HIV persistence and immune responses between men and women as they age, particularly focusing on the effects of declining estrogen levels in women. The study will analyze samples from both cisgender men and women to assess how reproductive aging influences the size and activity of the HIV reservoir in the body. By utilizing advanced techniques such as single-cell sequencing and immunophenotyping, researchers aim to uncover the immunological changes that occur during this aging process. The findings could lead to more effective strategies for HIV treatment and potential cures tailored to gender-specific needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved HIV treatment strategies that consider the unique biological differences between men and women, particularly during aging.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that sex hormones significantly influence HIV dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on reproductive aging is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gianella Weibel, Sara — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Gianella Weibel, Sara
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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.