Understanding why some people with HIV don't recover their immune cells
Official title: Commensal microbiome impact on CD4 T cell lymphopenia in HIV-1 infection
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11112499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how gut bacteria might prevent some people with HIV from fully restoring their immune system, even with treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,470,393 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG076373-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research focuses on adults aged 21 and older who are living with HIV and have not fully recovered their CD4 T cell counts despite antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have successfully restored their CD4 T cell counts after HIV treatment may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
For people living with HIV, some don't fully recover their CD4 T cells, which are crucial immune cells, even after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). These 'immune non-responders' face higher risks for other health issues. Our previous work found problems with the energy-producing parts of their CD4 T cells, called mitochondria. Now, we've discovered that these individuals often have higher levels of certain toxins from gut bacteria in their blood. We believe these toxins might be damaging CD4 T cells and preventing them from growing back.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help people with HIV who struggle to rebuild their immune systems, potentially by targeting gut bacteria or their toxins.
How similar studies have gone: While mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV has been observed, the connection between specific gut-derived bacterial toxins and CD4 T cell recovery in HIV immune non-responders is a novel observation.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Younes, Souheil Antoine — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Younes, Souheil Antoine
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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.