Mapping hidden HIV in immune cells and using antibodies to block viral rebound
Project 3 - Dynamics of latent HIV-1 reservoirs: High resolution antigenic mapping and strategies to block rebound
This project will map the HIV that hides in resting immune cells and try antibody-based ways to stop the virus from coming back in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11397296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, researchers will take virus and antibody samples linked to people living with HIV to precisely map which viral forms hide in resting memory CD4+ T cells. They will study how patient-derived neutralizing antibodies recognize those hidden viruses and which viral variants escape antibody recognition. The team will use high-resolution antigen mapping and lab outgrowth experiments to see whether antibodies can prevent hidden viruses from reactivating and producing new virus. Findings will guide antibody or combination strategies aimed at delaying or preventing viral rebound if antiretroviral therapy is stopped.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with HIV who are virally suppressed on ART and willing to provide blood samples or consider participation in related clinical protocols.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled HIV, recent infection, or viral strains that are not susceptible to the antibodies studied may not benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to antibody-based approaches that delay or prevent viral rebound and move people closer to sustained ART-free remission.
How similar studies have performed: Lab studies and some antibody trials have shown promise in delaying viral rebound and suppressing certain reservoir viruses, but viral escape and limited breadth have prevented a cure so far.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acharya, Priyamvada — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Acharya, Priyamvada
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 below.