Where HIV hides in children and how it affects them

Pediatric HIV reservoir determinants and consequences

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11325026

This project looks at how and why HIV stays hidden in children on treatment and how that might affect their brain and long-term health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11325026 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will measure the amount and type of hidden HIV (the "reservoir") in children and adolescents on ART using blood samples and specialized lab tests. They will compare total versus intact virus and look for signs that other infections like CMV drive growth of infected immune cells. The team will link these laboratory findings to clinical records and neurocognitive tests to see whether reservoir features relate to brain development and cognitive outcomes. Much of the work will use children followed in existing pediatric HIV cohorts at the University of Washington and partner clinics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children and adolescents living with HIV who are on antiretroviral treatment and can provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits at the study sites would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without HIV, adults outside pediatric cohorts, or anyone unable or unwilling to give samples or attend visits would not directly benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to shrink or clear hidden HIV in children and help protect their brain development.

How similar studies have performed: Adult studies have shown antigen-driven expansion of HIV-infected immune cells and links to CMV, but applying these findings to children and intact-reservoir measures is newer and less tested.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.