PHIVIT Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PHIVIT: Persistence of HIV 1 & 2 Viruses in Tissue
IRAS ID
321823
Contact name
Chloe Orkin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
HIV-1 is a chronic disease that can be well controlled with daily medications, called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although ART has dramatically improved survival for people living with HIV (PLWH), it cannot cure HIV and therefore treatment is life-long. Despite effective treatment, some people living with HIV still have problems with their immune system known as chronic inflammation. This inflammation can result in other health problems such as cancer, liver and heart disease and may also make curing HIV more difficult. These problems are not seen as frequently in a related but different type of HIV infection called HIV-2. HIV-2 is far less common than HIV-1 and causes less damage to the immune system. The reason for these differences is unclear but some evidence suggests that the immune system in the gut is less damaged in HIV-2 infection. In particular, certain immune cells called regulatory T cells and a signalling pathway (IDO-1) are less affected by HIV-2. This study will look at why people with HIV-2 have less inflammation than HIV-1 and explore the idea that it may be related to more damage to the gut or even different bacteria present in the gut. Ultimately, if we understand the differences we may be able to target the reason for these differences with drugs.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0501
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion