Understanding how HIV affects T cell aging and mitochondrial function
Official title: HIV infection-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and premature T cell aging
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-10203459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV affects the aging of certain immune cells called T cells, especially how it impacts their energy production, and it's for people living with controlled HIV who want to understand more about their health and potential new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $427,618 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG069544-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10203459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and have controlled viral loads.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those with advanced AIDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of HIV infection on T cell aging, specifically focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to impaired mitochondrial function in CD4 T cells from patients with controlled HIV. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA content and protein levels in these cells, researchers hope to identify potential targets for therapies that could restore T cell function and prevent depletion. The approach includes advanced techniques like Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry to compare mitochondrial function in HIV-infected individuals and healthy subjects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve T cell function in HIV patients, enhancing their immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in various conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in the context of HIV.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Zhi Q. — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Zhi Q.
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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.