Targeted CRISPR Cas12a Delivery to HIV-infected Cells
Official title: Targeted Delivery of CRISPR Cas12a RNPs for HIV Gene Editing
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11470802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to test a new way to delete HIV from infected immune cells using a specialized CRISPR tool delivered by tiny lipid particles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $569,903 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI203617-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV on ART with suppressed viral load and consent to participate in a translational research study.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not eligible for ART or without HIV infection would not benefit from this specific HIV-targeted approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to reach HIV-infected CD4+ cells in lymphoid tissues with a targeted CRISPR-Cas12a system delivered by lipid nanoparticles. By focusing on conserved HIV regions, the approach seeks to cut out viral DNA and prevent rebound if ART is stopped. The study builds on prior lab work showing potent activity with limited off-target effects and plans to improve delivery to the right cells using machine-guided LNP formulations. If successful, it could move us closer to a functional cure by eradicating latent reservoirs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from strategies that reduce or eliminate HIV reservoirs, potentially enabling a cure-like outcome.
How similar studies have gone: Prior lab studies showed strong activity of Cas12a RNPs against HIV with acceptable specificity, but in vivo delivery remains a challenge.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hajipour, Mohammad J — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Hajipour, Mohammad 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.