Where HIV-like virus hides early after infection
Project 2: Analysis of Reservoir Dynamics in SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaques
This research looks at how an HIV-like virus seeds hidden reservoirs in immune cells early after infection to help guide better cure strategies for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11510113 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use rhesus macaques infected with SIV/SHIV to model how virus spreads and becomes hidden in immune cells during the first days of infection. They will map which cell types and tissues form the latent reservoir and measure how that reservoir changes over time. The team will test immune-stimulating agents, therapeutic vaccines, broadly neutralizing antibodies, and combinations to see effects on viral rebound and post-treatment control. Findings are designed to complement parallel work in people with HIV and answer reservoir questions that are hard to study directly in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although the project uses animal models, its results are most relevant to people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and interested in future reservoir-focused cure trials.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those seeking immediate changes to their current treatment should not expect direct benefit from this animal-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify the cells and timing to target for future therapies that aim to reduce or eliminate HIV reservoirs and improve chances of sustained virus control off therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior non-human primate studies from these groups have shown promising effects on viral rebound and post-treatment control with similar immune and antibody approaches, but definitive cures remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barouch, Dan H. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Barouch, Dan H.
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.