Using tiny cell packages to quiet HIV in the brain
Official title: Cell-derived extracellular vesicle mediated epigenetic silencing of HIV in the brain
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11081007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores new ways to deliver special tools to the brain to turn off the HIV virus, aiming for a long-term solution for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $379,984 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134389-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for individuals living with HIV, particularly those concerned about the virus persisting in the brain or experiencing neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV infection would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
HIV can hide in the brain, making it hard to treat and contributing to neurological problems. This project is developing a method to deliver genetic tools, called zinc fingers or small hairpin RNAs, directly to HIV-infected cells in the brain using tiny packages called extracellular vesicles. These tools are designed to epigenetically silence, or turn off, the HIV virus, preventing it from making copies of itself. The goal is to find a way to achieve a functional cure for HIV and potentially treat HIV-related brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a functional cure for HIV, especially for the virus hidden in the brain, and may help reduce HIV-associated neurological problems.
How similar studies have gone: The researchers have previously shown success with a zinc finger approach delivered by extracellular vesicles, and this work builds on that by comparing it to another genetic tool.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kashanchi, Fatah — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Kashanchi, Fatah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Implementation and Translation Model to spread evidence-based practices
A program at George Mason University aims to help public health and criminal legal system agencies adopt and scale proven strategies to prevent overdoses.
-
Phylogenetic modeling of viral spread at the human-wildlife boundary in Uganda
Researchers will use family tree methods to understand how viruses move between wildlife and people in Uganda to help anticipate and prevent outbreaks.
-
JCOIN 2.0 Coordination and Translation Center for Criminal Justice and Health
A national effort to speed up use of proven practices to reduce overdose risk among people involved with the criminal legal system.
-
Understanding memory changes with aging in mouse brains and how they relate to Alzheimer’s risk
Researchers plan to build a detailed computer model of memory-related brain circuits in aging mice to understand why memory declines with age and how this relates to Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Understanding neuron shapes and connections to help memory-related brain disorders
This grant builds and shares detailed 3D images of neurons to better understand how brain circuits work in Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Wearable ultrasound patch to monitor heart health after pediatric heart surgery
A small, disposable ultrasound patch worn on babies and young children after heart surgery will measure heart function and blood pressure in real time, aiming to catch problems early.
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.