Understanding how HIV hides in the brain and blood
Official title: Cell-lineage specific epigenomic determinants of HIV latency in humanized mouse brain and blood
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11088215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV can hide in the brain and blood, using special mouse models to learn more about the cells involved, with the hope that the findings will help develop new treatments for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $729,302 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134319-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are living with HIV and may experience neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not experiencing any neurological complications related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow HIV to remain dormant in the brain and blood, focusing on specific cell types and their genetic makeup. By studying humanized mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover how HIV establishes latency and what factors contribute to its reactivation. The approach includes analyzing the epigenomic changes in brain cells and blood to identify potential targets for treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapies aimed at eradicating HIV reservoirs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in eliminating HIV from the body, improving the quality of life for those living with the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV latency, but this specific approach focusing on the brain's epigenomic factors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Benjamin K — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Chen, Benjamin K
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.