Understanding how HIV persists in the body despite treatment
Official title: Deep sequencing of the HIV latent reservoir to discern mechanisms of clonal proliferation and HIV persistence
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11143834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV hides in the body and keeps coming back even when people are on treatment, with the goal of finding new ways to help get rid of the virus for good.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $213,048 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186783-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are not on ART may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the HIV latent reservoir, which is a major challenge in curing HIV. It aims to understand how infected cells proliferate and persist in the body during antiretroviral therapy (ART). By using advanced deep sequencing techniques, the study will analyze the genetic makeup of these cells to identify the mechanisms driving their survival and growth. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for eliminating the virus from the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in HIV treatment, potentially allowing for a cure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV persistence, but this approach aims to provide deeper insights that have not been fully explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Antar, Annukka Aida Rose — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Antar, Annukka Aida Rose
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.