Understanding blocks to HIV-1 RNA maturation in CD4+ T cells
Official title: Intrinsic CD4? T Cell Barriers to HIV-1 Latency Reversal
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11553297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why HIV stays hidden in certain immune cells and how to encourage the virus to express and be cleared, even when people are on effective therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $894,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI203559-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11553297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who have latent virus in resting CD4+ T cells may indirectly benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
The study is basic science and may not lead to immediate benefits for all patients.
What this research studies
This project aims to uncover how host cell processes limit HIV-1 RNA maturation in resting CD4+ T cells and whether these barriers can be overcome. They will use advanced RNA sequencing and single-cell analyses along with targeted biochemical tests to map which cellular pathways restrict RNA processing. By connecting RNA processing to viral protein production and particle release, the study seeks to identify new angles for latency reversal that could aid cure efforts. The work is being done at Brigham and Women’s Hospital with a focus on human cells relevant to HIV infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets to reactivate latent HIV for clearance in people on antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that RNA maturation barriers can influence viral gene expression, but this project seeks to define exact host mechanisms and how to overcome them.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsibris, Athe M. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tsibris, Athe M.
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.