Targeting brain cells to deliver a gene editor for curing HIV
Official title: Long-term microglia-targeted endogenous retrovirus-like particle (ERVLP) delivery of Cas12f editor to cure HIV
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10889160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver a gene-editing tool directly to brain cells that hold onto HIV, with the hope of clearing the virus and improving health for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $576,854 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056876-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who experience neurological complications or have persistent viral reservoirs in the brain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who do not have neurological symptoms related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a method to deliver a gene-editing tool specifically to brain cells that are reservoirs for HIV. By using a novel delivery system that can cross the blood-brain barrier, the project aims to eliminate HIV from these cells, which contribute to chronic inflammation and cognitive disorders in infected individuals. The approach utilizes engineered viral particles to transport the gene editor directly into the targeted cells, enhancing the effectiveness of potential HIV treatments. Patients may benefit from this innovative strategy if it proves successful in reducing HIV reservoirs in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that effectively eliminates HIV from the brain, potentially curing the infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using gene editing technologies like CRISPR to target HIV, but this specific approach using novel delivery methods is relatively new and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Wenhui — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hu, Wenhui
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.