Understanding how Bach2 controls HIV-infected immune cells
Official title: Control of Long-lived HIV Cellular Reservoirs in memory CD4+ T cells by Bach2
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11195812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Bach2 to see how it helps keep certain immune cells infected with HIV alive, which could help researchers find better ways to treat people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,550 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI186666-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and have detectable levels of HIV in their memory CD4+ T cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have not responded to antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Bach2 in regulating memory CD4+ T cells that are infected with HIV. The study aims to understand how Bach2 prevents these cells from maturing and dying, which is crucial for maintaining a reservoir of HIV in the body. By analyzing gene expression and cellular behavior, the researchers hope to uncover new strategies to target and eliminate these long-lived HIV reservoirs. This could lead to more effective treatments for people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help eliminate HIV reservoirs, potentially leading to a functional cure for HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting HIV reservoirs, but the specific approach of manipulating Bach2 is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shan, Liang — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Shan, Liang
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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.