Understanding Gut Damage in People with HIV
Immunometabolic regulation of CD8+ T cell mediated intestinal epithelial cell death in people with HIV (PWH)
This project looks at how HIV causes damage to the gut lining in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128578 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
People with HIV often experience gut inflammation and damage, even with effective medication. This damage can lead to other health problems like heart disease and stroke. Our project uses gut tissue samples from people with and without HIV, along with advanced lab models, to understand exactly how HIV harms the cells lining the intestine. We believe that certain immune cells, called CD8+ T cells, might be taking essential fats from gut cells, leading to their death. By uncovering these specific mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to protect the gut and improve overall health for people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who experience ongoing gut inflammation or related health issues might benefit from future treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those whose HIV is fully managed without gut-related complications may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect the gut lining in people with HIV, potentially reducing inflammation and preventing other serious health conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the general problem of gut damage in HIV is known, this project explores specific cellular mechanisms, which is a novel approach to understanding this complex issue.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Douglas — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Douglas
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.