Targeting HIV-1 reservoirs at the start of treatment

Targeting the HIV-1 reservoir at cART initiation with CD4-mimetic interventions

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11009423

This study is testing a new treatment for people living with HIV that aims to help get rid of the virus from the body or keep it under control without needing to take medicine all the time, using special compounds that boost the body's immune response right from the start of their current therapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009423 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new treatments for HIV-1 that can eliminate the virus from reservoirs in the body or help control it without the need for ongoing therapy. The approach involves using small-molecule compounds that mimic CD4 proteins, which enhance the effectiveness of antibodies that target HIV-infected cells. By initiating this treatment at the start of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the goal is to significantly reduce the viral reservoir and achieve sustained control of the virus even after stopping therapy. This innovative strategy aims to improve the long-term health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV and are about to start combination antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not newly diagnosed or those who have already been on long-term antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a functional cure for HIV-1, allowing patients to maintain viral control without continuous medication.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting HIV reservoirs with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.