Understanding immune activation in women with HIV

CD38 intensifies immune activation in women living with HIV (the CIGNAL study)

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11138596

This research looks at why women living with HIV might experience more immune system overactivity, even with treatment, compared to men.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11138596 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We know that women living with HIV often face more health challenges and faster disease progression than men, even when taking effective medication. This difference may be linked to ongoing immune system activation, which means the body's defenses are constantly working overtime. This project aims to understand how a specific marker called CD38 on immune cells might contribute to this overactivity in women. By understanding these differences, we hope to find new ways to help women living with HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for adult women aged 21 and older who are living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or who are men would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target immune activation in women living with HIV, potentially improving their long-term health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of immune activation in HIV is known, this specific focus on sex-specific differences and CD38 as a therapeutic target in women living with HIV represents a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.