Understanding how HIV-infected macrophages evade immune responses
Official title: Discovery of viral and host pathways that protect HIV-infected macrophages from NK cell ADCC
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11190159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-infected immune cells manage to hide from the body's defenses, especially from certain immune cells that usually help fight off infections, and it aims to find ways to boost the immune response to better help people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 | January 27, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $243,713 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI189245-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190159 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have persistent viral reservoirs, particularly those with a significant presence of infected macrophages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have achieved viral suppression through antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HIV-infected macrophages resist destruction by the immune system, particularly focusing on how they evade natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The study aims to uncover the pathways that allow these macrophages to persist in the body despite the presence of antibodies that typically target the virus. By examining the interactions between HIV antibodies and infected macrophages, the research seeks to identify potential strategies for enhancing immune responses against HIV. This could lead to improved treatment options for individuals living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the immune system's ability to eliminate HIV-infected cells, potentially contributing to a functional cure for HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune evasion mechanisms in HIV, but this specific focus on macrophages and their interaction with NK cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clayton, Kiera L. — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Clayton, Kiera L.
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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.