Our Research
The INHCC conducts collaborative research across multiple global sites to better understand HIV within the central nervous system (CNS). By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, we aim to address one of the most complex barriers to curing HIV: viral persistence in the CNS.
Current research priorities include:
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Characterizing HIV in the CNS. Determining whether distinct founder viruses establish infection in the CNS, and identifying when and how viral divergence occurs over time.
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Evaluating cure strategies in the CNS. Assessing the safety and tolerability of emerging HIV cure interventions, including those involving analytical treatment interruption, with a specific focus on CNS effects.
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Identifying predictors of treatment success. Investigating CNS-specific biological factors that may influence the success or failure of cure-directed interventions.
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Understanding viral rebound dynamics. Determining whether the CNS can act as a reservoir that seeds viral rebound plasma, thereby undermining functional cure strategies.
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Assessing neurocognitive outcomes. Examining the short- and long-term cognitive and behavioral effects of acute HIV infection through longitudinal studies that follow individuals before and after infection and treatment initiation.
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Exploring behavioral and social factors. Investigating the factors that influence individuals’ willingness to participate in HIV cure research, including studies involving treatment interruption.
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Evaluating the impact of early treatment. Determining whether initiating treatment during acute HIV infection provides long-term protection to the CNS.