Using Cytomegalovirus to Improve Control of HIV Infection
Official title: Harnessing the Pathogenesis of CMV Against HIV
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11142608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) can help boost the immune system's ability to fight HIV-1 by creating special immune cells that can target both viruses, which could lead to better control of HIV for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $467,055 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181579-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who do not have a history of CMV infection may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be used to enhance the immune response against HIV-1. It focuses on developing a new type of immune cell, called a bi-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell, that can recognize both CMV and HIV-1. By leveraging the natural reactivations of CMV, the goal is to maintain these immune cells in a more active state, allowing them to better control HIV-1 infection. Patients may benefit from improved immune responses that could lead to better management of HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for controlling HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance immune responses against viral infections, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Otto O — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Yang, Otto O
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.