Mapping SIV signals in the brain
Official title: Identification of SIV replication and reservoirs in the CNS
Funded at University of Louisiana at Lafayette · NIH-10906149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus similar to HIV behaves in the brains of infected monkeys to find out where it hides even when treatment is given, which could help us understand and improve treatments for people with similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisiana at Lafayette NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $784,326 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH125395-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with HIV who are experiencing neurological symptoms or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV or those who do not have neurological symptoms related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) behaves in the central nervous system (CNS) of infected monkeys, particularly focusing on areas where the virus may persist despite treatment. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to develop specific probes that can cross the blood-brain barrier and identify cells in the brain that are still active with SIV. By employing a combination of imaging technologies and cell sorting, researchers will track the virus's presence and activity during different stages of infection. This work could provide insights into how SIV affects the brain and inform future treatments for similar conditions in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for HIV-related neurological complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using advanced imaging to study viral behavior in the CNS is innovative, similar techniques have shown promise in other areas of HIV research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Villinger, Francois J — University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Study coordinator: Villinger, Francois J
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.