Understanding how HIV medication affects unborn babies' immune systems
The impact of antiretroviral therapy on fetal immune system development in SIV-exposed rhesus macaques
This project explores how HIV and its treatments might shape the immune system development of babies before they are born.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195670 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses a well-established rhesus macaque model to understand how antiretroviral therapy (ART) given to pregnant mothers with SIV (a monkey version of HIV) affects their babies' immune systems. Researchers will compare babies from mothers with SIV on ART, mothers only on ART, and healthy mothers. This helps separate the effects of the virus from the medication on the developing immune system. The goal is to learn why children exposed to HIV in the womb, even if uninfected, face higher risks of infections and breathing problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help future children born to mothers with HIV.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by HIV or antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to better ways to protect the immune health of babies born to mothers living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the problem of higher mortality in HIV-exposed, uninfected children is known, the specific independent and combined effects of HIV and ART on fetal immune development are not fully understood, making this approach novel in its detailed investigation.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varlamov, Oleg — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Varlamov, Oleg
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 below.