Understanding Fat Tissue Changes and Metabolic Health in People with HIV

Assessing the Interrelationship Between Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis and Fibrosis in the Metabolic Health of People Living with HIV

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11190987

This work explores how changes in fat tissue might lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11190987 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people living with HIV experience insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, even when their viral load is controlled. This happens because of 'metabolically unhealthy obesity,' where fat tissue doesn't work as it should. Our team is looking at two key factors in fat tissue: a reduction in special fat cells that burn energy, and an increase in scar-like tissue called fibrosis. We believe that specific cells within fat tissue, called CD81+ APCs, play a crucial role in balancing these factors and could be key to improving metabolic health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals living with HIV who are concerned about or experiencing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those not experiencing metabolic health issues related to fat tissue may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in people living with HIV by targeting specific fat tissue processes.

How similar studies have performed: Prior observations suggest a link between fat tissue changes and insulin resistance in the general population, and this work builds on those findings by focusing on people living with HIV and specific cell types.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 SyndromeAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired 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.