HIV Research Study
Researchers at the University of Washington are conducting a study to investigate possible future HIV treatments.
Fast Facts
Ages 18-65
Diagnosed with HIV
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Seattle, WA
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Washington are conducting a study to investigate possible future HIV treatments.
HIV treatments, or antiretroviral therapies (ART), effectively reduce HIV levels in the bloodstream to undetectable levels in many patients. However, stopping ART can cause HIV levels to rebound due to the virus hiding in long-term reservoirs within the body. These reservoirs can reignite infection if treatment is interrupted.
This study aims to explore whether the type of HIV medication prescribed affects the size of these viral reservoirs. It will assess immune activation and the size of HIV reservoirs in blood and intestinal tissues of HIV-infected individuals on two different ART regimens. One regimen includes NRTIs (like tenofovir), which block HIV replication by inhibiting a key enzyme. The other regimen, NRTI-free treatment, excludes these inhibitors. By comparing these groups, researchers hope to determine if the choice of ART regimen influences the persistence and size of HIV reservoirs, potentially impacting long-term HIV management strategies.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Washington are conducting a study to investigate possible future HIV treatments.
HIV treatments, or antiretroviral therapies (ART), effectively reduce HIV levels in the bloodstream to undetectable levels in many patients. However, stopping ART can cause HIV levels to rebound due to the virus hiding in long-term reservoirs within the body. These reservoirs can reignite infection if treatment is interrupted.
This study aims to explore whether the type of HIV medication prescribed affects the size of these viral reservoirs. It will assess immune activation and the size of HIV reservoirs in blood and intestinal tissues of HIV-infected individuals on two different ART regimens. One regimen includes NRTIs (like tenofovir), which block HIV replication by inhibiting a key enzyme. The other regimen, NRTI-free treatment, excludes these inhibitors. By comparing these groups, researchers hope to determine if the choice of ART regimen influences the persistence and size of HIV reservoirs, potentially impacting long-term HIV management strategies.
Additional Information
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-65
- Diagnosed with HIV
- Have maintained stable use of antiretroviral medication (ART) for at least one year
- Able to carry on normal activity and to work; no special care needed
- If female, not pregnant or breastfeeding
Exclusion Criteria:
- Have switched ART medication in the past 6 months
- Have not been diagnosed with AIDS
- Dependence on substances (e.g., alcohol, opioids, cocaine)
- Active malignancy including myelodysplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative disease
- Prior organ or bone marrow transplantation
- Diagnosed autoimmune disease or pulmonary dysfunction
- Need for ongoing treatment with an immunosuppressive drug
- Use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications (e.g., cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus
- Use of narcotics
- BMI > 40
If you are eligible to participate in this study, you will complete a screening visit and procedure visit, as outlined below:
Screening Visit (at UW Positive Clinic, up to 90 minutes):
- Complete a survey about medical history, sexual history, and substance abuse (optional to answer).
- Receive a targeted physical exam focusing on immune system-related body parts.
- Provide approximately 4 teaspoons of blood for testing.
- If eligible (based mainly on HIV absence or low levels in blood), proceed to the next step within 60 days.
Procedure Visit (at Harborview Medical Center, Gastroenterology Clinic, up to 4 hours):
- Undergo a repeat physical exam.
- Answer additional health-related questions.
- Participants who could be pregnant will undergo a pregnancy test.
- Approximately 7 teaspoons of blood will be drawn.
- For rectal biopsies, a small instrument will be inserted to collect five samples.
- For duodenal biopsies, receive sedation through an arm vein (e.g., Sublimaze, Midazolam, potentially Benadryl) for comfort during endoscopy (EGD). The endoscope will be inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, collecting several small samples from the duodenum.
As a participant, you can receive up to $430 in compensation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.