NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how the immune system responds to HIV infection

Official title: Regulation and Manipulation of Innate Immunity During HIV Infection

Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11079626 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our immune system fights HIV and is testing a specific gene to see if changing it can help boost the body's ability to respond to the virus, which could lead to better treatments for people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$694,996
NIH project number5R01AI181713-02
Project IDNIH-11079626 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV or those at high risk of HIV infection.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not infected with HIV or do not have risk factors for HIV may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which the innate immune system detects and responds to HIV infection. It focuses on a specific gene, Core-Binding Factor Subunit Beta (CBFb), which plays a crucial role in regulating interferon signaling, a key component of the body's defense against viruses. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, the researchers aim to manipulate this gene to enhance the immune response against HIV. The findings could lead to new strategies for improving antiviral responses in patients with HIV.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance the body's ability to fight HIV infection.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in manipulating immune responses to enhance antiviral activity, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Utah
    Salt Lake City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Johnson, Jarrod Sean — University of Utah
  • Study coordinator: Johnson, Jarrod Sean

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.