Understanding HIV and Ongoing Immune System Activation
Defective HIV proviruses and Persistent Innate Immune Activation
This research explores how hidden HIV in certain immune cells might cause long-lasting inflammation in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175522 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that HIV infection can lead to ongoing inflammation, which contributes to other health problems. This inflammation might be caused by "defective" HIV, which are incomplete versions of the virus hidden inside immune cells like CD4+ T cells and macrophages. Even though these defective viruses can't fully replicate, they might still produce viral material that keeps the immune system activated. Our goal is to uncover how these hidden viral pieces contribute to persistent inflammation and compare this process in different types of HIV. This work could help us understand why some people with HIV experience chronic health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms at a cellular level, and future clinical applications would benefit individuals living with HIV.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to reduce chronic inflammation in people with HIV, potentially improving their overall health and preventing related complications.
How similar studies have performed: This research explores novel mechanisms of HIV persistence and inflammation that are not yet fully understood.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henderson, Andrew J — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Henderson, Andrew J
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.