New methods to improve immune cell functions for clearing HIV-1 infection
Official title: Novel Strategies to Enhance Effector Cell Functions for Antibody-Mediated Clearance of HIV-1 Infection
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10872269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain antibodies can help your immune system better fight off HIV-infected cells while you're on treatment, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with HIV live healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $620,186 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI155162-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and have detectable viral reservoirs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the ability of immune cells to eliminate HIV-1 infected cells in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. It investigates how specific antibodies can activate natural killer cells and macrophages to target and destroy these infected cells. By studying the effectiveness of these antibodies in various tissues, particularly lymphoid tissues where HIV-1 hides, the research aims to develop strategies that could lead to a functional cure for HIV. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the safety and efficacy of these novel antibody therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that help eliminate HIV-1 from the body, potentially offering a functional cure for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antibody therapies to enhance immune responses against HIV, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shan, Liang — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Shan, Liang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Reprogramming tissue immune cells (macrophages) to target hidden HIV
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EHD4 protein and HIV-1 infection: a new potential antiviral target
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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.