Understanding how HIV behaves and evolves in structured populations

Description of HIV social behavior using a phylogenetic model of structured co-evolution

NIH-funded research University of Louisville · NIH-11139567

This study is looking at how HIV behaves in groups, like bacteria do, to understand how it survives even with treatment, and the findings could help develop better ways to manage HIV for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Louisville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Louisville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11139567 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex social behaviors of HIV by examining how the virus interacts within structured populations, similar to bacterial communities. By using genomic sequencing, the study aims to uncover the evolutionary pathways that allow HIV to persist despite treatment efforts. The approach focuses on understanding the cooperative functions of different virus subgroups and how they adapt over time, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing HIV infections. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform more effective treatments and interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who are experiencing challenges with treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that improve the management of HIV infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral behaviors through similar genomic approaches, indicating potential for impactful findings in this area.

Where this research is happening

Louisville, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.