Understanding HIV-1 reservoirs in the brain
Official title: Characterizing HIV-1 reservoirs in the central nervous system
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11083151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-1 impacts brain cells, especially those from the immune system, to understand why some people still have cognitive problems and ongoing viral presence even when they're on treatment.
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 start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $707,024 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134823-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive dysfunction or have concerns about viral persistence despite antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not exhibit any neurological symptoms related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how HIV-1 affects brain cells, particularly those of myeloid origin, which may lead to cognitive issues and persistent viral infection despite treatment. The study employs advanced next-generation sequencing techniques to analyze viral reservoirs at a single-cell level, aiming to uncover how these reservoirs persist in the central nervous system. By examining the genetic makeup and behavior of these cells, the research seeks to identify mechanisms that allow the virus to remain hidden and potentially reactive.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for targeting HIV-1 reservoirs in the brain, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding viral reservoirs in other tissues, but this specific focus on the central nervous system is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Xu — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yu, Xu
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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.