Understanding HIV reservoirs in opioid users
Official title: Sorting and Sequencing Latent Reservoirs in HIV+ Opioid Users
Funded at J. David Gladstone Institutes · NIH-10930098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV hides in the bodies of people who use opioids like morphine or heroin, to find out more about the special cells that keep the virus inactive, which could help improve treatment options for these individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,560,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059551-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-positive individuals who are also opioid users, particularly those with low adherence to antiretroviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are HIV-negative or do not use opioids are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how HIV persists in the bodies of individuals who use opioids like morphine or heroin. By analyzing HIV-infected cells from various tissues, including the spleen, gut, and brain, the study aims to uncover unique characteristics of these cells that contribute to HIV latency. The researchers will employ a novel sorting and sequencing technique called FIND-Seq to identify specific genes and pathways that may influence the behavior of HIV in these patients. This work could lead to better strategies for treating HIV in opioid users, who often face additional health challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for HIV-positive opioid users, potentially enhancing their health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV latency through innovative techniques, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
J. David Gladstone Institutes
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ott, Melanie Maria — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Ott, Melanie Maria
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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.