Reprogramming tissue immune cells (macrophages) to target hidden HIV
Official title: Modulation of epigenetic programming of tissue resident macrophage lineages to impact HIV-1 infection, maintenance, and persistence.
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11394241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Trying small drug molecules to reprogram tissue immune cells so infected cells die and hidden HIV is reduced in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $482,843 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176575-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV, especially those on antiretroviral therapy who are willing to donate blood or lung samples or consider future clinical trials, would be the primary candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or those whose care focuses on unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on tissue-resident macrophages — immune cells in places like the lung and brain — that can harbor HIV even when blood levels are controlled. Researchers will profile gene activity in human-derived macrophages and alveolar macrophages to find molecular signatures of infected cells. They will screen and test small-molecule epigenetic inhibitors to change macrophage programming and selectively trigger death of infected cells while sparing uninfected ones. Studies will use human cells and animal models to probe how these drugs work and to prioritize candidates for future development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce or eliminate tissue-based HIV reservoirs and help move toward long-term remission or a cure.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory work showed that targeting certain long noncoding RNAs can selectively kill infected macrophages, but using small-molecule epigenetic drugs to clear tissue reservoirs is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Russell, David G — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Russell, David G
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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.