Using artificial thymic organoids to study T cell development and HIV infection
Official title: Artificial thymic organoid platform to study T cell development and HIV/SIV infection using SIV/macaque model of HIV/AIDS
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10924531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $364,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OD035572-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV or SIV who may experience T cell dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or SIV are unlikely to benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahman, Sheikh Abdul — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Rahman, Sheikh Abdul
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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.