Understanding how HIV persists in the brain and affects cognitive function

High-Definition Characterization of the Persistence and Perturbation of the HIV Reservoir: Project 2

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11080773

This study is looking at how HIV-1 affects brain cells and can still cause thinking problems even when people are on treatment, and it's for those living with HIV who want to understand more about how the virus behaves in their bodies.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11080773 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how HIV-1 infects brain cells and contributes to cognitive dysfunction, despite antiretroviral therapy. By utilizing advanced sequencing technologies, the study aims to profile the viral reservoirs in the central nervous system (CNS) to understand the mechanisms behind HIV persistence. The research involves a collaborative team of experts in neurology, virology, and clinical care, who will analyze paired cerebrospinal fluid and plasma samples from untreated HIV-1 patients. This comprehensive approach seeks to uncover the dynamics of HIV within the CNS and its implications for long-term health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are untreated HIV-1 patients who are willing to provide cerebrospinal fluid and plasma samples.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently on antiretroviral therapy or those with other neurological disorders unrelated to HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing HIV infection and mitigating cognitive decline in patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV reservoirs using advanced sequencing techniques, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.