Mapping hidden tissue reservoirs of HIV-like virus
Project 2: Revealing Viral Population and Host Environment Dynamics of SIV Tissue Reservoir
Using a sensitive PET-CT imaging probe in an animal model, researchers aim to locate where HIV-like virus hides in body tissues to help people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11381204 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone living with HIV, it can be hard to know where tiny amounts of virus persist while you are on treatment; this project uses a radioactive antibody fragment (89Zr-labeled F(ab)2) together with PET-CT scans in infected macaques to light up infected cells and guide tissue sampling. The team calls this a "beacon-guided" workflow that pinpoints foci of SIV infection across different organs so they can collect and analyze those tissues in detail. By examining both the viral populations and the surrounding tissue environment, researchers hope to learn what lets the reservoir survive during suppressive therapy. Although the experiments are in animals now, the findings are intended to inform where and how to look for reservoirs in people in future cure-focused efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are stably suppressed on antiretroviral therapy and interested in cure-focused research would be the likely human group for related future studies.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those who are not on suppressive antiretroviral therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this animal-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal where HIV hides during treatment and guide more targeted cure strategies and better monitoring methods for people on therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Related PET-based imaging approaches have shown promise in animal models for locating viral reservoirs, but translating these methods to humans and achieving a cure remains a novel challenge.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hope, Thomas — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Hope, Thomas
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.