Understanding the HIV reservoir in the body
Official title: Cellular Identity of the Intact HIV Reservoir
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11187573 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the hidden HIV cells in the body that make it hard to cure the virus, and it's for people living with HIV who want to understand how scientists are working to find better ways to get rid of these stubborn cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $489,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI189303-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187573 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are undergoing treatment and are interested in contributing to advancements in HIV cure strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression without the presence of an HIV reservoir may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the persistent HIV reservoir, which poses a significant challenge to curing HIV. It aims to improve the targeting and elimination of this reservoir by examining the biological characteristics of cells that harbor the virus. Using advanced sequencing techniques, the study will analyze CD4+ T cells to differentiate between those with intact and defective provirus, focusing on their transcriptional and epigenetic features. By gaining a deeper understanding of these cellular programs, the research seeks to enhance strategies for HIV cure interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that target and eliminate the HIV reservoir, potentially paving the way for a cure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV reservoirs, but this approach is innovative and aims to provide new insights into the intact HIV reservoir.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vella, Laura a — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Vella, Laura a
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.