Understanding sex differences in HIV and gut health
Sex difference in intestinal immune dysfunction, SHIV infection and reservoir
This work explores how HIV affects the gut and immune system differently in men and women, aiming to find new ways to manage the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129914 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people living with HIV/AIDS still experience gut problems and ongoing immune system activation, even with current treatments. This immune activation can fuel hidden HIV reservoirs in the body, which can cause the virus to return if treatment stops. We know that HIV affects men and women differently, and this project wants to understand these sex-specific differences in the immune system that contribute to the virus's persistence. By identifying these factors, we hope to create more personalized treatments that can better control HIV-related chronic diseases and target these hidden viral reservoirs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for patients interested in the underlying biological differences in how HIV affects men and women, particularly concerning gut health and immune system activation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, personalized treatments that more effectively control HIV, reduce chronic health issues, and potentially target hidden viral reservoirs in patients.
How similar studies have performed: While sex differences in HIV are increasingly recognized, research specifically using animal models to understand the role of estrogen in HIV persistence in vivo has been limited.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Theresa L — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chang, Theresa L
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.