Using modified T cells to fight HIV directly in the body
Official title: In vivo CAR-T-cell HIV therapy using in vitro reconstituted virus-like particles
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11126593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat HIV by changing your own T cells right in your body, so they can better find and fight HIV-infected cells, making the treatment safer and easier than older methods that involve taking your cells out for testing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,772 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181743-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have not responded adequately to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have advanced AIDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating HIV by directly modifying a patient's T cells within their body, rather than extracting them for laboratory manipulation. The method involves delivering receptor genes in mRNA form to the T cells circulating in the patient's blood and lymphatic system. This innovative strategy aims to enhance the T cells' ability to recognize and attack HIV-infected cells without the risks associated with traditional extraction and transformation methods. By focusing on in vivo modifications, the research seeks to improve safety and efficacy in HIV treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for HIV, potentially improving the quality of life for patients living with the virus.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of in vivo T cell modification is innovative, similar immunotherapy techniques have shown promise in treating other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gelbart, William M — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Gelbart, William M
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.