Investigating new small molecules to activate latent HIV
Official title: Exploring Small Molecule Inhibitors of PAF1C as Novel HIV Latency Reversal Agents
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10904751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medicines that can wake up hidden HIV in the body so that it can be targeted by the immune system, and patients may have the chance to try these new treatments in trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,003 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174864-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have been on antiretroviral therapy and have developed latent reservoirs of the virus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV or those who do not have a detectable viral load may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding small molecule inhibitors that can activate latent HIV within the body, which is crucial for developing effective treatments. The approach involves understanding how HIV remains hidden in certain cells and how to stimulate these cells to express the virus, making them vulnerable to the immune system. By exploring new compounds that can enhance the activity of specific proteins involved in HIV transcription, the research aims to improve strategies for eliminating the virus from the body. Patients may be involved in trials that test these new agents to see if they can effectively reactivate latent HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help eliminate HIV from the body, potentially offering a functional cure for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using latency-reversing agents to activate latent HIV, but this approach is still being refined and tested for effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hultquist, Judd F — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hultquist, Judd F
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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.