Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program

The intent of the Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) program is to attract both international and U.S.-based early stage investigators from outside the field of HIV research to help address key scientific questions in HIV research, including emerging issues of long-term survival with HIV infection, prevention of HIV transmission and research towards a cure.

  • Term: Up to 2 years
  • Up to $150,000 direct cost per year, (the amount of the award will vary depending on the proposal)

11 Awards

Award Recipient Award date Award Type
Sampling and Analysis of Thoracic Duct Lymphocytes in HIV+ Patients Matthew Callaghan, MD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Gut Barrier Dysfunction and Dysbiosis on HIV Persistence and Immune Activation Ma Somsouk, MD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Targeting Antiapoptotic Signaling for Eradication of HIV Latent Reservoir Haishan Li, MD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Defining and Eliminating the Macrophage Reservoir Jonah Sacha, PhD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Impact of Integration Site Selection on HIV Persistence Rik Gijsbers, MD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Impact of CMV replication on the HIV-1 latent reservoir Sara Gianella Weibel, MD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Bridges Within the HIV-human Hosthogen Genome JJ Miranda, PhD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Targeting NK cell activity to eradicate the HIV-1 reservoir Eileen Scully, MD, PhD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Development of a diagnostic T cell assay to confirm disruption of latent HIV-1 infection Nilu Goonetilleke, PhD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
A Super-agonistic antibody to human IL-21 to boost immunity for HIV cure Di Yu, PhD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Targeting Tim-3 for elimination of HIV reservoirs Lishomwa Ndhlovu, MD, PhD Fall Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR) Program
Contacts
  • Impact of Integration Site Selection on HIV Persistence

    Impact of Integration Site Selection on HIV Persistence

    Abstract

    We will study the role of integration site distribution on the establishment of a latent reservoir and ultimately aim at preventing the establishment of a latent reservoir for HIV by manipulation of the HIV-1 integrase - LEDGF/p75 interaction. Our concept is based on the retargeting of HIV integration towards regions of the human genome that are less, or even not prone to reactivation. When successful, our strategy may lead to functional eradication of HIV.

  • Impact of CMV replication on the HIV-1 latent reservoir

    Impact of CMV replication on the HIV-1 latent reservoir

    Headshot of

    Abstract

    Replication competent HIV DNA that persists during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the main impediment to HIV eradication. Levels of latent HIV DNA also predict the rate of CD4+ T-cell loss, time to AIDS, virologic failure of ART and end organ disease; therefore, reducing provial levels could have substantial clinical benefits. CMV replication in the genital tract is associated with higher levels of T-cell immune activation within both the genital compartment and peripheral blood.