Using IFNβ to help control HIV in the brain
Official title: Harnessing Innate Immunity to Control the Neuroinflammatory HIV Reservoir
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11379494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores whether a special immune signal, IFNβ, given with standard HIV therapy can limit HIV in the brain and reduce brain-related symptoms for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $680,259 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS148274-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who are on effective HIV therapy and have or are at risk for neurocognitive issues could be candidates.
✕Less likely to help
If a person does not have neurocognitive symptoms or if IFNβ is not compatible with their treatment, they may not benefit.
What this research studies
HIV can hide in brain cells and other immune cells, causing neurocognitive issues even when people are on standard HIV therapy. The researchers build on prior findings that IFNβ can reduce HIV in infected brain cells and protect neurons. They will study how IFNβ works with traditional HIV treatment to limit viral reservoirs in the brain and improve brain health. The work involves experiments in cells, animal models, and analysis of how IFNβ pathways affect HIV persistence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce brain HIV reservoirs and potentially lessen neurocognitive problems for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data suggest IFNβ can protect neurons and reduce HIV activity in brain cells, supporting potential benefit but further confirmation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaul, Marcus — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Kaul, Marcus
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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.