Understanding how the immune system detects HIV-1 infection
Official title: In vivo innate immune sensing of HIV-1 infection
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11009442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the body's first line of defense reacts to HIV-1 right after infection, using special mice to help understand which immune cells are involved, and the findings could help improve vaccines and treatments for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,752 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI184087-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk of contracting HIV-1, including those with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in intravenous drug use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already living with advanced AIDS or those who are not at risk of HIV-1 infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early immune responses to HIV-1 infection, focusing on how the innate immune system recognizes the virus and the subsequent effects on disease progression. By using a specialized mouse model, researchers aim to identify the specific immune cells and pathways involved in responding to HIV-1. The study will analyze the immune events that occur immediately after infection, which are crucial for developing effective vaccines and treatments. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to enhance immune responses against HIV-1.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and therapies for HIV-1, ultimately reducing the incidence of AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to viral infections, but this specific approach using the MISTRG mouse model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rongvaux, Anthony — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Rongvaux, Anthony
Related research
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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.