Using IL-15 immunotherapy to target HIV in the brain
Official title: Impact of IL-15 immunotherapy on tissue-specific CD8 T cells to reduce the CNS HIV reservoir seeding and persistence
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11125879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment that uses IL-15 to boost the immune system's CD8 T cells, which help fight HIV in the brain, to see if it can lower HIV levels safely while keeping an eye on any changes in brain inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $974,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130197-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those who have initiated antiretroviral therapy during acute infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who have advanced stages of HIV with significant neurological impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how IL-15 immunotherapy can enhance the immune response of CD8 T cells to reduce HIV reservoirs in the central nervous system (CNS). The approach involves using a novel IL-15 super-agonist to activate and expand these T cells, which are crucial for controlling HIV. By analyzing the behavior of these cells in cerebrospinal fluid, the research aims to determine if this therapy can effectively lower HIV levels in the brain without causing harm. Patients may be monitored for changes in neuroinflammation and HIV persistence following treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for HIV that target and reduce viral reservoirs in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunotherapy to enhance T cell responses against HIV, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trautmann, Lydie — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Trautmann, Lydie
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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.