Understanding how HIV infection causes T cell aging.
Official title: Mechanism of telomere attrition and premature T cell aging during HIV infection.
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-10402449 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV makes certain immune cells age faster than they should, which can affect your health, and it aims to find ways to help improve the immune system for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $427,966 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG076370-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10402449 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those experiencing immune dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those with well-functioning immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HIV infection leads to premature aging of T cells, which are crucial for immune function. It focuses on how HIV affects telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes, leading to genomic instability and cell dysfunction. By studying T cells from HIV patients and laboratory models, the research aims to identify the underlying processes that contribute to this accelerated aging. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies to enhance immune function in individuals living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance immune function in HIV-infected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding telomere dynamics in other contexts can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Juan — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Juan
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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.