Investigating the hidden sources of HIV in blood stem cells

Cellular Reservoirs of HIV

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10721411

This study is looking into why HIV can stick around in the body even when people are taking their medications, focusing on special blood cells that can hide the virus and keep it from being completely cleared out.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10721411 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how HIV persists in the body despite treatment with antiretroviral medications. It examines CD4+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which can survive for a long time and are capable of being infected by HIV. The researchers aim to identify the cellular reservoirs that harbor the virus and contribute to ongoing infection, even when patients are on effective therapy. By developing a model to study these cells, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that allow HIV to evade eradication.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy but still have detectable viral reservoirs.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have not responded to antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for eradicating HIV from the body, potentially offering a cure for those living with the virus.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding HIV reservoirs, but this research aims to explore novel aspects of the virus's persistence that have not been fully tested.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
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.