Understanding the body's early response to HIV-1

In vivo innate immune sensing of HIV-1 infection

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11145751

This work explores how the body's natural defenses react right after HIV-1 infection to help develop better ways to prevent or treat the virus.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11145751 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

HIV-1 continues to be a major global health challenge, and an effective vaccine is urgently needed. This project aims to understand the very first immune reactions that happen when someone is infected with HIV-1, which are crucial for how the disease develops. We are looking at how different immune cells and pathways detect the virus and respond, both in ways that fight the virus and ways that might cause inflammation. By learning more about these early events, we hope to find new targets for vaccines and treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals at risk of or living with HIV-1 in the future.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for developing an effective HIV-1 vaccine or improved treatments by better understanding the body's immune response.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown how innate immune responses can detect HIV-1 in lab settings, the specific contributions of different immune cells and pathways in a living system are largely unknown.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.