Understanding HIV-1 reservoirs in African women
Official title: Characterizing intact proviral HIV-1 reservoir size and determinants of reservoir dynamics in African populations
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-10809617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-1 hides in the bodies of South African women, comparing it to other groups, to help us understand why it stays there and to find better ways to treat and possibly eliminate the virus in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | April 15, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,089 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI152151-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are South African women living with HIV-1, particularly those infected with subtype C.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those from populations outside of the targeted African cohorts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the characteristics of the HIV-1 reservoir in South African women, focusing on how the size and makeup of this reservoir differ from those in other populations. By using a newly developed assay, the study will analyze samples from over 200 women in KwaZulu Natal to measure the latent viral reservoir. Additionally, it will explore the roles of specific viral factors in influencing the reservoir's characteristics. The goal is to enhance our understanding of HIV-1 persistence and inform future eradication strategies tailored to African populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective HIV-1 treatment and eradication strategies specifically designed for African populations.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on HIV-1 reservoirs in other populations, this specific focus on subtype C in African women is relatively novel and underexplored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abrahams, Melissa-Rose — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Abrahams, Melissa-Rose
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.