Understanding how HIV hides and how to wake it up

Novel Epigenetic Marks for HIV Latency Entry and Reversal

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10885922

This study is looking at how HIV can hide in the body and is exploring new ways to wake it up so it can be treated, which could help people living with HIV find better therapies in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10885922 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that allow HIV to remain dormant in the body and explores new ways to activate the virus for treatment. By focusing on epigenetic changes, particularly the role of crotonylation, the study aims to identify how these modifications can influence HIV transcription and latency. The researchers will analyze the chromatin structure around the HIV promoter to develop strategies that could potentially eliminate hidden HIV reservoirs. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have developed latent infections and are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have advanced AIDS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in eradicating latent HIV reservoirs, improving treatment outcomes for patients living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting HIV latency through epigenetic modifications, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 2026-06-13 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.