Understanding how HIV persists in deep tissues of the body
HIV Persistence and Renewal in the Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary and Adipose Tissues
This study is looking at how HIV hides and stays in certain parts of the body right after someone gets infected, and it's for people living with HIV who want to understand more about how their condition works and how to stay healthy as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HIV establishes and maintains reservoirs in the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and adipose tissues shortly after transmission. By analyzing tissue samples from patients with HIV, the study aims to uncover how the local immune environment influences HIV persistence and renewal. The research employs a novel approach using a rapid autopsy cohort to gather detailed insights into the viral and host factors involved in HIV reservoir dynamics. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve the health of individuals living with HIV, especially as they age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are willing to participate in post-mortem tissue donation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are unable to participate in tissue donation will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and potential cures for HIV by targeting the reservoirs where the virus persists.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding HIV reservoirs, but this approach focusing on non-blood tissues is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, David Mitchell — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Smith, David Mitchell
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.