Understanding why HIV comes back after treatment stops
Characterizing the viral and host effector mechanisms that govern HIV-1 rebound
This research aims to understand the reasons why HIV reappears in the blood after someone stops taking their medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Even after successful HIV treatment, the virus can hide in the body, and when medication is stopped, it often returns. We want to uncover the specific viral and body-related factors that cause HIV to rebound. Our team has made new discoveries about how the virus behaves and how the body responds when HIV reappears. This project will use these insights to better understand the mechanisms behind HIV rebound.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to all patients living with HIV, particularly those interested in future cure strategies that involve stopping antiretroviral therapy.
Not a fit: Patients not living with HIV would not directly benefit from this specific research, as it focuses on the mechanisms of HIV rebound.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent or significantly delay HIV from returning after treatment is stopped, moving us closer to a cure.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon several recent discoveries made by the research team, indicating a foundation of prior successful work in this area.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bar, Katharine June — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bar, Katharine June
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.