Investigating the link between cytomegalovirus and heart disease in people with HIV
Official title: Anti-cytomegalovirus Immune Responses in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Persons Living with HIV
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10895350 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) might affect heart health in people living with HIV, by checking how the immune system responds to the virus and its possible link to heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $153,036 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL156759-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895350 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults living with HIV who are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those without cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how cytomegalovirus (CMV) may contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals living with HIV. It focuses on understanding the immune responses to CMV and how these responses relate to heart health. The study will analyze blood samples to assess the presence of specific immune cells that target CMV and their potential role in atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attacks. By examining these immune responses, the research aims to uncover new insights into the relationship between CMV and CVD in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is existing evidence suggesting that immune responses to CMV are linked to cardiovascular health in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wanjalla, Celestine N — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wanjalla, Celestine N
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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.