Molecular mechanisms of HIV resistance in people with Sickle Cell Disease and Trait
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of HIV-1 resistance in Sickle Cell Disease and Trait
Funded at Howard University · NIH-11419417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist at Howard University is studying why people with sickle cell disease or trait might be more resistant to HIV, in order to uncover clues for better protection and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2014 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $748,647 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL125005-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419417 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, especially those with HIV infection or exposure, and healthy controls for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
People without sickle cell disease or trait may not experience direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will explore how red blood cell breakdown products could trigger an antiviral state in immune cells, potentially helping people with sickle cell disease or trait fight HIV. The study uses blood cells from patients and compares them to healthy controls to see how trained immunity develops and affects HIV-1 responses. They will also test these ideas in mouse models and examine how this antiviral readiness works in individuals with sickle cell trait from existing cohort data. The goal is to map the molecular steps that restrict HIV spread in these conditions and identify potential targets for therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide new strategies to boost antiviral immunity in people at risk for HIV or inform protective approaches for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observations suggest reduced HIV infection and slower progression in SCD/SCT, but precise mechanisms remain to be defined, making this inquiry both grounded and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nekhai, Sergei — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Nekhai, Sergei
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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.