Using Natural Killer cells to fight HIV and HBV co-infection
Official title: Exploiting Natural Killer cells in HIV/HBV co-infection to achieve eradication
Funded at University College London · NIH-10869949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells called Natural Killer (NK) cells can help improve treatment for people who have both HIV and Hepatitis B, by exploring how these cells work in the body to fight off the viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University College London NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | July 9, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $327,448 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI155182-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are co-infected with HIV and HBV and are undergoing or have undergone antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are solely infected with HBV or HIV without co-infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Natural Killer (NK) cells can be utilized to improve treatment outcomes for patients co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). By analyzing immune responses in the liver and blood of these patients, the study aims to identify specific immune cell characteristics that could lead to better therapeutic strategies. Advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing will be employed to gain insights into the immune system's functioning in these co-infected individuals. The goal is to understand how adaptive NK cells can contribute to eradicating these viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that significantly improve health outcomes for patients with HIV and HBV co-infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing NK cells for viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University College London
London, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peppa, Dimitra — University College London
- Study coordinator: Peppa, Dimitra
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.