Targeting NKG2A/C+ CD8 T cells for HIV CAR-T therapy
Official title: Targeting NKG2A/C+ CD8 T cells for anti-HIV-1 CAR-T therapy
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11470831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to use engineered immune cells to better fight HIV in adults who are on ART.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $244,988 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203588-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who are on ART and may benefit from reservoir-targeting therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not on ART or without HIV infection or those not eligible for CAR-T based approaches.
What this research studies
This project explores whether NKG2A/C+ CD8 T cells can be engineered into CAR-T cells to enhance control of HIV, especially in lymphoid tissues where the virus hides. It builds on studies in primates showing these innate-like T cells can be highly cytotoxic and may persist in lymph nodes with a supportive profile. The work focuses on translating these findings toward a therapy that could complement ART by targeting HIV reservoirs. It is conducted in adults and leverages samples and insights from human biology to guide potential clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new CAR-T based strategy to reduce HIV reservoirs and move closer to HIV remission.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies suggest innate-like CD8 T cells can efficiently target infected cells, supporting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mudd, Joseph Christopher — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Mudd, Joseph Christopher
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.