Why some HIV-infected cells resist killer T cells
Mechanisms of CTL Resistance in HIV Reservoirs
This project aims to make killer T cells better at finding and destroying hidden HIV in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the hidden HIV that stays in the body despite antiretroviral treatment to understand why infected cells can avoid being killed by cytotoxic T cells. They will use drugs that wake up hidden virus ('kick') and examine responses in laboratory models and human-derived samples. The team will identify cellular and molecular mechanisms that make infected cells resistant to killer T cells and test ways to overcome those defenses. The overall goal is to improve 'kick and kill' approaches so they might one day reduce or eliminate the need for lifelong ARV medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy with suppressed viral loads would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical work or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those with uncontrolled active infection would not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help lead to therapies that reduce or eliminate the HIV reservoir, moving toward remission or cure and lessening dependence on daily antiretrovirals.
How similar studies have performed: Kick-and-kill approaches have shown promise in lab models but have not yet succeeded in clinical trials, so this work addresses a newly recognized barrier to success.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, R. Brad — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Jones, R. Brad
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.