Understanding how HIV-1 infected cells multiply and persist in the body
Role of clonal expansion in HIV-1 persistence
This study is looking into why some HIV-1 infected cells stick around in the body even when people are on effective treatment, and it aims to find new ways to get rid of these stubborn cells to help in the fight against HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124597 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the persistence of HIV-1 in memory CD4+ T cells, which remain in the body despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). The study focuses on how these infected cells can proliferate and evade the immune system, creating a reservoir that complicates efforts to cure HIV-1. By examining the clonal expansion of these cells, researchers aim to identify potential targets for new treatments that could eliminate the virus. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze the characteristics of these rare infected cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and have a detectable viral reservoir.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV-1 or those who have not been on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for curing HIV-1 by targeting the mechanisms that allow infected cells to persist and multiply.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding HIV-1 persistence and targeting infected cells, but this specific approach to studying clonal expansion is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Ya-Chi — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ho, Ya-Chi
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.