Stopping HIV from Hiding in the Brain and Spreading to the Body
Effects of CSF1R Blockade on Repopulation of SIV Reservoirs from the CNS to the Periphery After Antiretroviral Therapy Interruption
This work explores how a specific treatment might prevent HIV from hiding in the brain and then re-emerging in the body, even after antiretroviral therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128574 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Even with effective HIV medication, the virus can remain hidden in certain cells within the brain. These hidden virus 'reservoirs' can cause the virus to rebound if medication is stopped or if there are temporary viral increases. Our team believes that a specific type of immune cell in the brain, called perivascular macrophages (PVMs), acts as a major hiding spot for HIV. We are testing a medication that targets these PVMs to see if it can stop the virus from hiding there and then spreading to other parts of the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the underlying biology of HIV persistence and future therapeutic strategies for HIV eradication.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct participation in a human clinical trial would not directly benefit from this early-stage animal model research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to eliminate HIV reservoirs in the brain, potentially preventing viral rebound and moving closer to a cure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified these brain cells as a target for HIV, and this approach builds on that understanding to test a novel intervention strategy.
Where this research is happening
Chestnut Hill, United States
- Boston College — Chestnut Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Kenneth C — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Williams, Kenneth C
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.