Targeting HIV reservoirs in the brain to improve treatment outcomes

Targeting HIV Myeloid Reservoirs in the CNS by IAP and TREM1 Inhibition

NIH-funded research University of South Dakota · NIH-11081715

This study is looking for new ways to help people with HIV by targeting hidden spots in the brain where the virus can still hide, even when they're on treatment, and it focuses on understanding how certain proteins can help in this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Dakota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Vermillion, United States)
Project IDNIH-11081715 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding new ways to eliminate HIV from persistent reservoirs in the central nervous system (CNS) of individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). It aims to investigate the roles of specific proteins, IAP and TREM1, in targeting these reservoirs, which include macrophages and microglia that can harbor the virus despite treatment. By understanding how to effectively disrupt these reservoirs, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of current HIV treatments and potentially lead to a functional cure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy but still have detectable viral reservoirs.

Not a fit: Patients who are not on antiretroviral therapy or those without detectable viral reservoirs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that eliminate HIV reservoirs, reducing the need for lifelong ART and the associated challenges.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting HIV reservoirs, but this specific approach focusing on CNS reservoirs is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Vermillion, 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.