NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how antibodies interact with the gut microbiome in HIV-1 infection

Official title: The Public Mucosal Antibody Repertoire in HIV-1 Infection

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10918746 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a type of antibody called IgA helps keep the gut healthy for people living with HIV-1, by comparing gut samples from those with and without the virus to see how these antibodies work with gut bacteria and affect overall health.

More HIV-1-infection research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$210,600
NIH project number1R21AI183981-01
Project IDNIH-10918746 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who are currently on antiretroviral therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not living with HIV-1 or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of antibodies, specifically IgA, in maintaining gut health for individuals living with HIV-1. By analyzing gut biopsies from both HIV-1 positive and negative individuals, the study aims to identify how these antibodies interact with the gut microbiome and contribute to gut homeostasis. The researchers will utilize advanced sequencing techniques to explore the diversity of the antibody repertoire and its implications for inflammation and overall health in HIV-1 patients. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve gut integrity and reduce associated health risks.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance gut health and reduce inflammation-related illnesses in people living with HIV-1.

How similar studies have gone: While the concept of public antibodies is emerging, this specific approach to studying their role in HIV-1 infection and gut health is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Santiago, Mario Luis — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Santiago, Mario Luis

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.