PhAI-CoV: AI predicts SARS-CoV-2 variant evolution in people living with HIV
Official title: A Phylodynamic Artificial Intelligence framework to predict evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in Immunocompromised persons with HIV (PhAI-CoV)
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11382774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project uses smart computer models to forecast how SARS-CoV-2 might evolve in people with HIV, helping clinicians and patients stay ahead of dangerous variants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $683,017 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170187-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who have SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure, enrolled through participating clinics and research networks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV or without SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project combines phylodynamics and artificial intelligence to study how SARS-CoV-2 changes inside people who are immunocompromised due to HIV. Researchers will analyze viral genetic data from this group and apply AI to predict which variants of concern could arise and how likely they are to spread. The goal is to improve surveillance, treatment decisions, and public health responses for people living with HIV who are exposed to COVID-19. Results could inform personalized care and targeted prevention strategies for high-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection of dangerous variants and better-tailored treatments for people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that viral evolution can occur within immunocompromised hosts and AI can help predict patterns, but applying this to HIV-positive individuals is a newer focus.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salemi, Marco — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Salemi, Marco
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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.