Using mRNA gene therapy to find a cure for HIV
Official title: A multipronged, mRNA gene therapy approach to HIV cure
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10948500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with HIV by using mRNA therapy to wake up the hidden virus and help the body get rid of it, making treatment easier and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $486,057 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI184637-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948500 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 current antiretroviral therapies.
✕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 curing HIV by utilizing mRNA gene therapy. It aims to address the challenges of HIV latency, where the virus hides from the immune system, by combining strategies to reactivate the virus and eliminate it. The therapy involves delivering mRNA that encodes specific genes in lipid nanoparticles, which can be engineered to target particular immune cells. This method is designed to be efficient, cost-effective, and flexible, potentially overcoming previous limitations in HIV treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a functional cure for HIV, significantly improving the quality of life for patients living with the virus.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been promising advancements in HIV treatment, this specific approach using mRNA gene therapy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kreider, Edward — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kreider, Edward
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.