Understanding HIV and aging in men and women
Sex-differences in HIV persistence and Immune Dynamics during Reproductive Aging
This project explores how HIV affects men and women differently as they age, particularly focusing on how changes in hormones during reproductive aging influence the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139476 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that HIV affects men and women differently, largely because of sex hormones like estrogen. Our previous work showed that estrogen helps keep HIV levels low in women. However, as women go through reproductive aging and their estrogen levels drop, we've noticed that the hidden HIV reservoir actually grows, which is different from what we see in men. This project aims to understand why this happens by looking closely at how the virus and the immune system change during aging in both men and women. Our goal is to use this knowledge to create more effective strategies for treating HIV in aging women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to cisgender men and women living with HIV who are experiencing or have experienced reproductive aging.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or are outside the reproductive aging spectrum may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective strategies for treating and potentially curing HIV, especially for women as they age.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has established sex-based differences in HIV infection and immune responses, providing a foundation for this deeper exploration into reproductive aging.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gianella Weibel, Sara — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Gianella Weibel, Sara
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.