Understanding HIV RNA's Role in Ongoing Inflammation
RNA modification and innate immune activation in HIV infection
This project looks at how HIV RNA in the body might cause ongoing inflammation in people living with HIV, even when they are taking medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134626 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people living with HIV still experience health problems like memory issues, even with effective medication. We believe that ongoing inflammation in the body might be causing these issues, but we don't fully understand why this inflammation continues. This project explores how HIV RNA, which can still be found in cells despite treatment, might be triggering these inflammatory responses. We are specifically looking at how changes to this HIV RNA make it more likely to cause inflammation in important immune cells, including those in the brain. Our goal is to uncover the exact ways HIV RNA contributes to this chronic inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding the underlying biology of HIV infection in people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and still experience chronic inflammation or related complications.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or are not on antiretroviral therapy would not directly benefit from this specific biological mechanism research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to reduce chronic inflammation and prevent complications like neurocognitive disorders in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between HIV RNA and inflammation is supported by preliminary data, the specific molecular mechanisms involving RNA modification are a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akiyama, Hisashi — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Akiyama, Hisashi
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.