Using the body's epigenetic controls to keep HIV hidden in brain immune cells
Target Host Epigenetic Regulation of HIV Proviruses to Reinforce Viral Deep Latency in Microglia
This project tries to strengthen gene-level switches that keep HIV locked away in brain immune cells to help people living with HIV avoid viral reactivation in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322079 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how epigenetic mechanisms in microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, control whether HIV stays silent or becomes active. In the lab they will use cell models, molecular analyses, and likely animal or human-derived samples to test ways to reinforce deep viral latency. They will measure whether enhancing these gene-level controls reduces viral reactivation and lowers inflammatory signals linked to brain injury. The work aims to identify approaches that could prevent HIV from re-emerging in the brain and reduce risks of HIV-associated neurocognitive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, particularly those on antiretroviral therapy or concerned about HIV effects in the brain, would be the most relevant candidates to provide samples or participate in related clinical components.
Not a fit: People who do not have HIV or those without concerns about HIV-related brain complications are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower the chance of HIV reactivating in the brain and reduce HIV-related neuroinflammation and cognitive problems for people on antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Related 'block-and-lock' epigenetic approaches have shown promise in laboratory models but remain experimental and are not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jian — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jian
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 below.