Pediatric HIV Aging and Reproductive Health: Understanding Allostatic Load in PHIV and Pregnant PWH
Official title: Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS): Research on Immune Aging, Supporting Reproductive Health, and Perinatal Acquisition: Elucidating Relationships in HIV (RISE)
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11416786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how long-term HIV and aging affect reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes in people with perinatal or pediatric HIV, using real-world data and biospecimens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $8,043,842 |
| NIH project number | 5U19HD119901-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with perinatally acquired HIV or young adults with pediatric-onset HIV, including pregnant PWH, non-pregnant female PWH, and males with PHIV who consent to participate.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or those not directly involved in reproductive health or aging studies may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use existing PHACS data and new participant samples to examine how chronic stress and inflammation relate to pregnancy outcomes, reproductive aging, and fertility in people with HIV who acquired HIV early in life. The study will measure markers of allostatic load, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, and reproductive health indicators, comparing pregnant and non-pregnant groups as well as males with PHIV. By linking psychosocial factors with biology, the project aims to identify mechanisms behind adverse reproductive health and aging in this population. The work will draw on observed data, stored samples, and new enrollments to explore these relationships in a five-year plan.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better reproductive health guidance and interventions for young people living with HIV and perinatal HIV, potentially improving pregnancy outcomes and aging-related health.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches have linked allostatic load and health outcomes in diverse populations, but this specific focus on PHIV and reproductive health is innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Paige L — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Williams, Paige L
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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.