Using stem cells to boost immune response against HIV
Official title: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells to enhance cytotoxic T cell immunity during HIV infection
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10754968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether special cells called mesenchymal stem cells can help boost the immune system in people with chronic HIV by making important immune cells work better, and it could lead to new ways to manage the virus alongside current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $320,833 |
| NIH project number | 5R21OD032351-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10754968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic HIV infection who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) to enhance the immune response in patients with chronic HIV infection. The study aims to determine if MSC can reverse the exhaustion of CD8 T cells, which are crucial for fighting the virus, and improve their ability to reach areas where the virus hides. By using a model of SIV-infected macaques, researchers will assess the effectiveness of MSC treatment in combination with antiretroviral therapy (ART) to promote viral clearance and delay viral rebound. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for HIV that enhance the body's immune response and reduce viral persistence.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of MSC in HIV treatment is a novel approach, similar immunomodulatory strategies have shown promise in other chronic viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kol, Amir — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Kol, Amir
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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.