Understanding Immune Activation in HIV
Nucleic acid-containing immune complexes and immune activation
This work explores how the HIV virus might still cause inflammation and accelerated aging in people living with HIV, even when their virus levels are well controlled by medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For people living with HIV who are on treatment, the virus is often suppressed, but some still experience ongoing inflammation and faster aging. This project aims to understand how small pieces of the HIV virus, combined with the body's own antibodies, might continue to trigger immune cells called monocytes. We believe these 'immune complexes' could be a key reason for chronic inflammation and damage to blood vessel linings. By uncovering this process, we hope to find new ways to reduce these long-term health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies would be people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and have well-controlled viral levels.
Not a fit: Patients whose HIV is not well-controlled by antiretroviral therapy or who do not experience chronic inflammation may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce chronic inflammation and slow down accelerated aging in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggests that similar immune complexes can stimulate immune cells, and observations in natural SIV hosts support the role of antibodies in immune activation.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forthal, Donald N — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Forthal, Donald N
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.