Using artificial thymic organoids to study T cell development and HIV infection

Artificial thymic organoid platform to study T cell development and HIV/SIV infection using SIV/macaque model of HIV/AIDS

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-10924531

This study is looking at how HIV and SIV infections affect the growth of important immune cells called T cells, using a special lab setup to better understand how these cells are made and work during infections, which could help improve treatments for people living with these viruses.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10924531 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how HIV and SIV infections affect the development of T cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. By utilizing artificial thymic organoids, the study aims to create a controlled environment to observe how hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) function and regenerate T cells during infection. The researchers will analyze the impact of HSC dysfunction on T cell generation and explore the mechanisms behind viral infections in these cells. This approach could provide insights that are difficult to obtain from traditional methods due to limited access to human bone marrow samples.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV or SIV who may experience T cell dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or SIV are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for restoring T cell function in patients with HIV/AIDS.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using organoid systems for studying immune responses, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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 Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.