Understanding how HIV-infected macrophages evade immune cell attacks
Official title: Characterizing mechanisms by which HIV-infected macrophages neutralize NK cell effector functions to facilitate their persistence
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11009219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells infected with HIV manage to avoid being destroyed by other immune cells that are supposed to fight infections, and it aims to find new ways to help the immune system better target and eliminate these infected cells in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | July 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,369 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI184128-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009219 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are on combination antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how HIV-infected macrophages resist being eliminated by natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for controlling infections. The study aims to identify specific mechanisms that allow these macrophages to survive despite the immune response. By examining the interactions between HIV-infected macrophages and NK cells, the researchers hope to uncover new insights into the persistence of HIV in patients on antiretroviral therapy. The findings could lead to novel therapeutic strategies to enhance the immune system's ability to target and eliminate HIV-infected cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance the immune response against HIV, potentially reducing the viral reservoir in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune evasion mechanisms in viral infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grasberger, Paula — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Grasberger, Paula
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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.