Neutralizing IFN-I to boost HIV-targeted CAR T cell therapy
Official title: Neutralizing persistent IFN-I to improve HIV-specific CAR T cell therapy
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11411740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to block a specific immune signal (IFN-I) to help HIV-fighting CAR T cells work better in people living with HIV who are on ART.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $506,550 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI200714-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients living with HIV on suppressive ART could benefit from future CAR T cell therapies enhanced by IFN-I blockade.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not eligible for CAR T cell therapy or not pursuing such advanced immunotherapies may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This grant explores whether blocking IFN-I can improve the performance of HIV-specific CAR T cells, potentially reducing viral reservoirs and preserving immune function. The work uses preclinical models to test how neutralizing IFN-I affects CAR T cell engraftment, persistence, and anti-HIV activity. If successful, findings could guide the development of enhanced, patient-ready cell therapies for HIV. The study builds on prior data showing IFN-I can suppress CAR T cell activity and that blocking it may boost treatment effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more durable HIV control and improved immune health for people on ART.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that blocking IFN-I can improve CAR T cell engraftment and function in HIV models, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Claiborne, Daniel Thomas — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Claiborne, Daniel Thomas
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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.