Natural killer cell therapy's impact on HIV infection

The Effect of Natural Killer Cell-Based Therapy on the HIV Reservoir

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10875622

This study is looking at how special immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells can help fight HIV and keep the virus from coming back in people living with the infection, and it will test different types of these cells to find new treatments that could lead to a cure.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10875622 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how natural killer (NK) cells can be used to combat HIV by delaying viral rebound in patients. The study will explore the effectiveness of NK cells derived from blood or stem cells in controlling HIV, as well as compare the performance of CAR-modified NK cells to CAR-modified T cells. By utilizing innovative methods to quantify the HIV reservoir, the research aims to develop new therapies that could potentially lead to a cure for HIV infection. Patients may be involved in trials that assess these novel therapies and their effects on HIV latency.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and may benefit from innovative treatment approaches.

Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have advanced AIDS may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to groundbreaking therapies that significantly reduce or eliminate the HIV reservoir in patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using NK cells and CAR therapies for HIV treatment, indicating that this approach has potential based on previous successes.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.