Sending HIV-fighting immune cells to the gut to aim for long-lasting remission
Targeting HIV-specific CAR T cells to the gut for the durable remission of HIV
This project engineers your own T cells to recognize HIV and guides them to the gut and lymph nodes to try to control the virus without continuous medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325813 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have your T cells collected, modified to carry an HIV-targeting receptor (CAR) and a gut-homing marker (CCR9), and then receive the engineered cells back into your body. The modified cells are intended to travel to intestinal tissues and B-cell follicles in lymph nodes where HIV often hides. Researchers will monitor viral levels, immune responses, and safety over time, and may collect blood and tissue samples from gut or lymph nodes. The goal is to see whether these targeted cells can reduce the viral reservoir and produce longer periods of remission off antiretroviral therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults living with HIV who are on stable antiretroviral therapy, medically able to undergo leukapheresis and cell infusion, and meet site-specific safety criteria.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled HIV, very low CD4 counts, serious medical issues that prevent cell collection or infusion, or who cannot travel to the trial site may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to durable suppression of HIV without the need for continuous antiretroviral drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Related CAR T cell approaches have shown promise in lab studies and early human trials, but directing CAR T cells to the gut and lymph node follicles for durable HIV remission is largely novel and unproven in large trials.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skinner, Pamela J — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Skinner, Pamela J
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 below.