Understanding how certain cells help HIV spread and establish latency
Official title: The Roles of FRCs In HIV-1 Spread And Establishment Of Latency
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11135806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your lymph nodes might make it easier for HIV to spread and hide in your body, which could help us find better ways to treat and prevent the virus in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $226,500 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AI179288-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135806 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 persistent viral reservoirs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) in lymph nodes, which are critical sites for HIV-1 spread and latency. The study aims to understand how these cells interact with CD4+ T cells, potentially enhancing their susceptibility to HIV infection. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that contribute to the persistence of the virus in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. This could lead to new insights into HIV transmission and latency, which are essential for developing effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing HIV spread and potentially curing AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral reservoirs in HIV, but the specific role of FRCs in this context is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murakami, Tomoyuki — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Murakami, Tomoyuki
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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.