Using engineered viruses to target and eliminate HIV-infected cells
Official title: Capsid-engineered AAV vectors with Brec1-based gene therapeutics for inactivating the HIV reservoir
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10819012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gene therapy that uses a special tool to safely remove HIV from infected cells in people living with HIV, and it aims to make sure this treatment works well without harming healthy cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $769,737 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI181053-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819012 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have suppressed viral loads but still harbor HIV-infected cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have advanced AIDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel gene therapy approach to eliminate HIV-infected cells in people living with HIV. It utilizes a genome editing technique called CRISPR, specifically a designer recombinase named Brec1, which targets and removes HIV DNA from infected cells without causing harm to healthy cells. The study aims to address the challenges of diverse viral strains and potential side effects associated with traditional CRISPR methods by ensuring precise delivery and minimal off-target effects. Patients may be involved in trials that assess the safety and effectiveness of this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a functional cure for HIV, allowing patients to stop antiretroviral therapy without experiencing viral rebound.
How similar studies have gone: While CRISPR-based approaches are being explored for various applications, this specific use of Brec1 for targeting HIV is a novel approach that has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Priti — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Priti
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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.