Investigating how the loss of certain immune cells affects gut health in people with HIV on treatment
Official title: Effect of ILC3 loss on epithelial barrier function during ART Treated HIV infection
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11055360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and its treatment affect certain immune cells in the gut, which are important for keeping our intestines healthy, and it hopes to find ways to improve gut health for people living with HIV who are on medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DK138855-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the loss of Type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in individuals living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). It aims to explore how this loss impacts the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. By using human intestinal explants as a model, the study will examine the mechanisms behind ILC3 depletion and its role in microbial translocation and inflammation. This research could provide insights into improving gut health and overall well-being for those on ART.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for maintaining gut health in people living with HIV on treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using human intestinal explants is novel, similar studies have shown that understanding immune cell dynamics can lead to significant advancements in HIV treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neff, Charles Preston — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Neff, Charles Preston
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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.