Targeting HIV in the Brain with Antibody-Releasing Cells
Image-guided intra-arterial administration of antibody-releasing glial progenitors to control the HIV CNS reservoir.
This project is exploring a new way to deliver special antibody-releasing cells directly to the brain to help manage HIV in people living with the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136888 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with HIV take daily medication, but the virus can hide in the brain, making it hard to fully get rid of and sometimes causing memory or mood problems. This project aims to tackle this hidden virus by using a special technique to guide cells that release powerful antibodies directly into the brain's blood vessels. These cells are designed to continuously produce antibodies, which are natural defenders, to fight the virus where current medicines struggle to reach. The hope is to control the virus in the brain and prevent or treat related neurological issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is developing a new therapeutic approach for individuals living with HIV, particularly those who may have HIV hiding in their brain or are at risk for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND).
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those whose HIV is fully controlled by current treatments without any brain involvement may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a long-lasting way to control HIV in the brain, potentially reducing the need for daily medication and improving brain health for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While broadly neutralizing antibodies have shown promise in other contexts, this specific method of image-guided delivery of antibody-releasing glial progenitors to the brain for HIV is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walczak, Piotr — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Walczak, Piotr
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.