How NPRC Research Accelerated HIV Advances From 2020–2025

From breakthroughs in prevention to promising treatments, the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) have played a crucial role in advancing HIV research. Working with nonhuman primates, the closest biomedical model to humans, NPRC researchers have tackled some of HIV’s biggest challenges: viral persistence, brain invasion, co-infections and the limits of current therapies. Together, these discoveries mark some of the most significant progress toward long-term remission and potential cures in decades.

Strengthening Vaccines and Early Prevention

NPRC advances include efforts to block infection before it starts. Researchers at the Emory National Primate Research Center (ENPRC) at Emory University showed that an Env-plus-Gag HIV vaccine regimen in rhesus macaques provided durable protection from SHIV, the simian version of HIV, even when neutralizing antibody levels were low. This finding expanded thinking around the types of immune responses a successful vaccine must generate.

At the same time, Oregon NPRC scientists found that leronlimab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the CCR5 co-receptor, effectively prevented SHIV infection in nonhuman primate models. Already tested in human studies for viral suppression, the antibody also showed promise as a PrEP-style preventive option.

Targeting HIV’s Hidden Reservoirs

Because HIV hides in tissues the immune system can’t easily reach, several NPRC studies focused on uncovering and disrupting these viral reservoirs. ENPRC scientists discovered that the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10 helps HIV-infected cells survive in lymph nodes. Blocking IL-10, alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART), reduced the number of infected reservoir cells, marking an important step toward weakening HIV’s stronghold.

Researchers at Emory NPRC also identified specialized follicle-infiltrating NK cells capable of entering B-cell follicles in lymph nodes, one of HIV’s most protected hiding places. These findings point toward future therapies that could guide immune cells directly into viral reservoir sites.

Additional “shock and kill” studies at Wisconsin NPRC showed that both latency-reversing drugs and checkpoint inhibitor combinations can reactivate dormant virus while nonhuman primates are on ART, laying groundwork for strategies that flush HIV out of hiding.

Immune-Based Therapies Move Toward Functional Cure

By 2024, several NPRC collaborations delivered results that brought the field closer to long-term remission without lifelong treatment. A landmark study testing N-803 (IL-15 superagonist) plus broadly neutralizing antibodies achieved long-lasting viral control in most SHIV-infected macaques even after ART was stopped. The findings have now progressed to early-phase human clinical trials.

Emory NPRC researchers also identified a particularly potent subset of CD8⁺ T cells (TCF1⁺CD39⁺) that excel at controlling SIV and resisting exhaustion. The importance of these cells has been confirmed also in people with HIV and may become powerful tools in future immunotherapies.

Understanding HIV in the Brain

Another major advancement came from California NPRC, where researchers discovered how HIV enters and persists in the brain. Their work showed that CD4 T cells can inadvertently carry virus into neural tissue, helping explain why HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders persist even when ART is effective.

Addressing Co-Infections and Real-World Treatment Needs

HIV rarely exists in isolation. In 2025, Texas Biomed and the Southwest NPRC demonstrated that a promising tuberculosis therapy did not interfere with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) used to treat HIV, supporting its safe use in people co-infected with HIV and TB. Because the drug is already FDA-approved for use in cancer patients, it could accelerate potential approval for TB/HIV treatment compared to developing an entirely new drug.

A Path Toward Remission

Building on these advances, Emory NPRC researchers reported one of the strongest signals yet that a functional cure for HIV may be achievable. In a stringent SIV model, a targeted combination therapy, blocking two negative regulators of the immune system, IL-10 and PD-1, enabled durable control of viral rebound in 9 of 10 nonhuman primates for six months after ART ended, an unprecedented result that strengthens the path toward future human trials. This is a direct proof of concept that the immune system can be harnessed with immune-based interventions to control HIV.

The Bottom Line

Between 2020 and 2025, NPRC research meaningfully advanced the HIV landscape. Through innovative vaccine approaches, better understanding of persistence, targeted immune strategies and real-world treatment insights, the NPRCs have laid essential groundwork for an era in which long-term HIV remission, and ultimately a cure, becomes an attainable goal.

An update to From SIV to HIV: Emory NPRC Research Paves Way for Potential Cure 

In 2025, researchers at the Emory Vaccine Center and the Emory Primate Center led by Dr. Paiardini have made two significant advancements in the pursuit of a cure for HIV. Using nonhuman primates and the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the best model for HIV infection in humans, the team identified a treatment that can reduce the viral reservoir – infected cells that are not eliminated by the immune system – a key obstacle for curing HIV.  

Recent studies strongly suggest that a protein called Bcl-2 favors the survival of cells infected with HIV. Bcl-2 also favors the survival of cancer cells. There is a clinically approved medication for cancer patients, Venclexta, that blocks Bcl-2 and promotes cell death. 

For the first time, the Emory Vaccine Center team showed that giving Venclexta to SIV-infected nonhuman primates eliminates a significant portion of the viral reservoir. Based on these exciting results, a clinical trial was approved to treat people living with HIV starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) with Venclexta. 

In a second study, Dr. Paiardini’s group tested an intervention where two brakes of the immune system, IL-10 and PD-1, were removed by antibodies blocking their functions. This is a follow up study to recently published work from Dr. Sekaly and Dr. Paiardini. This intervention, repeated in two phases over a 3-year-long study, resulted in 100% of the animals controlling viral rebound at very low levels for months despite no longer receiving ART. Even more exciting, the treatment also reduced the size of the viral reservoir by nearly 100-fold. 

Now, the scientists at the Emory Vaccine Center and Emory Primate Center are seeking funds to perform the next step of this life-saving research and take the fight against HIV across the finish line.  

With additional funding, they plan to test a combined intervention where Venclexta will reduce the size of the viral reservoir and the aIL-10 and aPD-1 will work together to eliminate all of the infected cells by increasing the strength of the immune system. 

This research has the potential to improve the lives of more than 40 million people living with HIV worldwide. 

Emory University researchers have made a significant advancements in the pursuit of an HIV cure. One of the teams, led by Dr. Rafick Sekaly and Dr. Mirko Paiardini, demonstrated unprecedented control of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication and decay of viral reservoirs in nonhuman primates.

Key Findings:

The study, which was published in Nature Immunology, combined a stringent model of SIV infection with interruption of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and targeted immune intervention.

Researchers identified mechanisms of action for PD1 and IL-10, molecules known to regulate HIV persistence and immune dysfunction.

Nine of ten monkeys that received combination treatment showed durable control of viral rebound lasting six months after stopping ART.

Implications for HIV Treatment:

This research represents a major step forward in developing a functional cure for HIV, potentially improving the lives of 39 million people living with the disease worldwide. The study’s success stems from more than 15 years of work on PD1 and IL-10, which could lead to improved approaches for restoring deficient immune systems and controlling chronic infections.

Collaborative Effort:

The study highlights the power of collaboration between academia and industry. Merck, as an industry partner, developed reagents specifically designed to target PD1 and IL10 molecules in nonhuman primate models.

Up Next:

The research team is further investigating innate immune, metabolic and epigenetic pathways associated with controlling the virus after ending treatment. Their goal is to develop interventions that can induce an immune response capable of long-term control of HIV and SIV without ART.

This breakthrough brings us one step closer to a potential HIV cure, offering hope to millions affected by the disease worldwide.

Scientists at Emory University have made an exciting discovery that could bring us one step closer to curing HIV. Their research, published in Nature Immunology, focuses on a special type of immune cell called CD8+ T cells. 

What’s the big deal?
The researchers identified a unique subset of CD8+ T cells in lymph nodes that are particularly effective at fighting simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which is similar to HIV in humans. These cells, called TCF1+CD39+CD8+ T cells, work differently from typical T cells but pack a powerful punch against the virus. 

Why is this important?
“Harnessing CD8+ T cell functions is imperative toward an HIV cure,” says Mirko Paiardini, PhD, Microbiology and Immunology division chief at the Emory National Primate Research Center. Currently, 39 million people worldwide live with HIV, and while existing treatments are effective in blocking the replication of the virus, they don’t eliminate the virus completely. 

How do these special T cells work?
These newly discovered T cells are unique because they: 

• Are better at controlling the virus 

• Reduce viral reservoirs (cells and places where the virus hides in the body) 

• Can maintain their effectiveness without getting “exhausted” 

• Have features that allow them to keep reproducing and fighting 

What’s next?
The Emory team plans to: 

• Study these T cells at different stages of infection 

• Explore how well they respond to potential HIV cure treatments 

• Investigate their effectiveness in other parts of the body beyond lymph nodes 

The bigger picture:
This research is part of a larger effort called ERASE HIV, which aims to develop innovative therapies to eliminate or control HIV without the need for lifelong medication. The team is also working with community organizations to share their findings and progress with those affected by HIV.  

While there’s still much work to be done, this discovery offers new hope in the ongoing battle against HIV and brings us closer to the possibility of a cure. 

National Primate Research Centers Prioritize Openness for Scientific Progress

At the forefront of biomedical and behavioral research are the seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs). They form a vital network dedicated to conducting and enabling groundbreaking research to improve human and animal health. Studies at the centers include development & aging, genetics & genomics, infectious disease, neuroscience & brain disorders, and reproduction & endocrinology. The NPRCs have been instrumental in driving discoveries crucial for overcoming health challenges and in helping the public understand the significance of research that involves animals.   

A Comprehensive Approach  

A priority of the NPRCs is to share information via local, regional and national outreach. Through a multifaceted approach, the NPRCs foster education and dialogue, ensuring openness about their research and the expert care of animals involved in NPRC research studies.   

From participating in local events to leveraging digital platforms, the NPRCs employ diverse strategies to make connections. NPRC.org provides the latest information for the public, and NPRCresearch.org, which is undergoing updates, ensures the scientific community has comprehensive information about the resources the NPRCs offer NIH-funded researchers. Through timely and engaging content, the NPRCs strive to explain the highly regulated research process and showcase their contributions to scientific progress.   

A Legacy of Excellence  

With a history spanning more than six decades, the NPRCs stand as pillars of scientific expertise and exemplars of public outreach. The U.S. Animal Research Openness initiative (USARO) recently featured information about the NPRCs’ outreach programs on the USARO website. This article provides encouragement for other research centers to follow the NPRC lead.   

A Future Filled with Accurate Information  

As the NPRCs continue to make scientific discoveries, their dedication to openness will continue to expand. The NPRCs believe openness helps empower individuals to make informed decisions, is critical to instilling confidence in scientific research and care of research animals, inspires future generations of scientists and ensures the public has accurate information about how research with animals is improving lives.  

Every day, the seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) conduct and enable collaborative research studies to improve human and animal health. For more than five years now, we’ve been sharing our latest news and scientific advancements with you via NPRC.org and @NPRCnews (X), and there’s more coming your way. 

To ensure the NPRCs provide the topics of most interest to our readers and followers, we looked back at your favorite stories to help us move forward. Your top interests span behavior and psychology, infectious disease and neuroscience and brain disorders research. We will continue to share news that represents what you have most enjoyed, and we will also bring you information that reflects the breadth and depth of research across the NPRC network.   

We appreciate our readers and followers, and encourage you to take another look at your favorite blogs about NPRC research, to share the information with your family, friends and colleagues, and to continue connecting with us via NPRC.org, @NPRCnews and, now, on the new NPRC LinkedIn account. Via these resources, you’ll always be able to access the latest news on NPRC research that is helping people across generations and around the world live longer, healthier lives.   

Behavior and Psychology 

1. The Effects of Wildfire Smoke Exposure in Early Pregnancy 

A study by California NPRC and UC Davis researchers investigated the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on infant monkeys during early pregnancy. The study found that exposure led to increased inflammation, reduced stress response, memory deficits and a more passive temperament in the monkeys. The findings suggest environmental changes during pregnancy can have lasting effects on offspring.  

Infectious Disease 

2. A Deadly Relationship: Stopping the Progression of Tuberculosis in HIV Patients   

Researchers at the Southwest National Primate Research Center have discovered chronic immune activation in the lungs plays a crucial role in the progression of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection. This dysfunction hampers the body’s ability to fight off infections. The study suggests the need to develop treatments targeting chronic immune activation alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART). TB and HIV are global pandemics that reinforce each other, affecting a significant portion of the world’s population. The findings offer hope for improved treatment strategies in the next decade. 

3. New Possible Correlation Between Lyme Disease and Lewy Body Dementia  

At Tulane National Primate Research Center, researchers discovered intact spirochetes of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, in the central nervous system of a 69-year-old woman who received multiple rounds of antibiotic treatment. The presence of this bacterium coupled with her persistent neurological decline raises the possibility of a correlation between Lyme disease and Lewy body dementia. This finding highlights the bacterium’s persistence despite targeted therapy and emphasizes the need for further research to comprehend its role in severe neurological conditions. 

4. Are DNA Vaccinations a Perennial Answer to the Flu?  

Researchers at the Washington National Primate Research Center are developing a universal flu vaccine that could protect against all strains of the influenza virus. Using a DNA vaccine administered through the skin, the team has achieved promising results in macaques, providing 100% protection against a previous flu virus. This approach could eliminate the need for annual flu shots and be quickly deployed during pandemics. The researchers believe this technology could also be effective against other viruses and outbreaks. 

Neuroscience & Brain Disorders 

5. Past Social Experiences May Affect Brain’s Response to Oxytocin

A study at the Emory (formerly Yerkes) National Primate Research Center and Emory University showed the response of neurons to oxytocin, a chemical involved in social bonding, can vary based on an individual’s past experiences. Using female prairie voles, the researchers examined the nucleus accumbens, a brain region related to pair bonding. They found that oxytocin reduced neuron firing before bonding and increased it afterward, when triggered. The study also revealed a connection between oxytocin signals and endocannabinoids, affecting defensive interactions. These findings provide insights into how prior experiences influence oxytocin’s impact on brain circuits. 

6. NPRC Study May Have Found Link That Causes Anxiety and Depression  

Researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered brain pathways in juvenile monkeys that could contribute to anxiety and depression later in life. By studying the connections between specific brain regions, they found a correlation between synchronization and anxious temperament. These findings may lead to better treatment approaches and help identify gene alterations associated with anxiety. 

7. The Drinking Gene: Could Alcoholism Be Inherited?  

Research conducted at Oregon National Primate Research Center has identified a gene, GPR39, as a potential target for developing medication to prevent and treat alcoholism. By modifying protein levels encoded by this gene in mice, the researchers observed a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. They also found a link between alcohol and the activity of this gene. The study draws attention to the importance of cross-species approaches to identify drugs for treating alcohol use disorder. Further investigations are under way to determine if the same mechanism applies to humans. These findings offer potential insights for developing drugs to address chronic alcoholism and mood disorders. 

The battle against COVID-19 has been relentless, and scientists at Emory University and researchers from collaborative institutions worldwide are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for innovative treatment options. In an exciting breakthrough, researchers at Emory’s NPRC and their colleagues have delved into the intricate world of type 1 Interferon (IFN-I) signaling, a key player in our body’s defense against infections. Their groundbreaking study, conducted with nonhuman primates, offers a fresh perspective on combating SARS-CoV-2, and paves the way for potential new treatments for COVID-19. 

The Defender: Type 1 Interferon 

Senior author, Mirko Paiardini, PhD, and his team focused on understanding the role of IFN-I in SARS-CoV-2 infections. IFN-I is like the first responder in our body’s defense mechanism, acting swiftly to thwart viral replication when an infection is detected. This study, a first in nonhuman primates, sheds light on how tweaking IFN-I signaling can impact viral replication and the progression of COVID-19. 

The Balancing Act: IFN-I’s Double-Edged Sword 

The findings of the Emory University study illuminate a delicate balance in the fight against COVID-19. While early IFN-I responses are crucial for containing SARS-CoV-2, an excess of IFN-I signaling can lead to hyperinflammation in the body, contributing to severe disease. This discovery underscores the importance of timely intervention to prevent excessive inflammation, a primary driver of severe COVID-19 cases. 

Dr. Paiardini, Division Chief of Microbiology and Immunology, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Co-Director at the Emory Center for AIDS Research, emphasizes the significance of this balance and the need to fine-tune the body’s immune response to combat the virus effectively. 

The Experiment: IFNmod to the Rescue 

Researchers used a modified version of interferon, aptly named IFNmod, in rhesus macaques before and during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection to modulate IFN-I signaling. The results were nothing short of remarkable. IFNmod treatment weakened antiviral and inflammatory gene expression, leading to lower levels of inflammatory cytokines in the lower airways. This reduction in inflammation correlated with reduced lung pathology.  

“We were also surprised to find IFNmod treatment had a profound effect on SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, with a 3,000-fold reduction in viral loads in the lower airways of treated animals,” says co-first author Elise Viox.  

Emory University’s groundbreaking research into modulating type 1 Interferon signaling offers hope in our battle against COVID-19. By striking the delicate balance between immune response and inflammation, we’re closer to effective treatments for this tenacious virus.  

The Influence of Social Status on Early Social Development: Insights from Maturing Visual Pathways

 Forming infant-caregiver bonds is critical to social and neural development during infancy. However, the underlying brain pathways supporting infant attention to others’ eyes have remained largely unknown. Recent groundbreaking research conducted at the Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) and the Marcus Autism Center sheds light on the development of eye contact behaviors in infant rhesus macaques and their influence on brain growth. This research not only has the potential to reveal early neurobehavioral markers of social disability but also provides insights into the impact of social status on these developmental processes.

“For both humans and macaques, learning to engage with the eyes of others during infancy is a critical social skill in typical neurodevelopment,” says senior author Mar Sanchez, Ph.D. Exploring the brain regions and environmental factors that contribute to this behavior can enhance our understanding of its emergence and role in primates’ social development.

Studying Infant Macaques

The research team conducted a study involving male infant macaques, measuring their eye contact behaviors through eye-tracking tools while showing them videos of other macaques. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scans were also taken to analyze connectivity within the occipital and temporal cortices, which are involved in visual perception and social processing.

The researchers collected data from two weeks to six months old at regular intervals. This unique longitudinal dataset allowed them to observe changes in the connectivity patterns between the occipital and temporal cortices over time. They discovered that the most significant changes occurred during the first three months of life, which is analogous to humans’ first year of life.

Importance of Brain Connectivity and Influence of Social Status

Infants with stronger connections between the brain areas responsible for visual processing (primary visual areas) showed a greater tendency to make eye contact with other monkeys earlier than infants with weaker connections. The study also revealed that social status impacted the relationship between brain maturation and eye contact. Low-ranking infants displayed a stronger association between the development of visual pathways and eye contact compared to their high-ranking counterparts. This suggests that low-ranking infants may have adapted brains that facilitate early identification of faces and expressions, enabling them to navigate social interactions more effectively.

Implications for Human Development

Aiden Ford, the first author and a Ph.D. candidate in Neuroscience at Emory, highlights the influence of social status on the development of the social brain, even in the earliest postnatal months. This research provides unique insights into brain and behavior development dynamics at both the group and individual levels. It also raises the possibility that early exposure to adversity may accelerate biological, brain, and social development.

The research group plans to conduct further studies mapping the development of social behaviors and social brain regions in infant macaques. The amygdala, a critical part of emotional processing, will be a particular focus. Additionally, the effects of infant social status will continue to be investigated, providing a deeper understanding of how social factors shape neural development.

HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, destroys CD4 cells, also known as helper T cells, in the immune system. Without these cells, bodies have a hard time fighting off various diseases. While there is currently no cure for HIV, people now live long and fulfilling lives with it when treated medically.

Long-term medical treatment isn’t ideal, however, making the fight far from over. Researchers are constantly looking for ways to develop new treatments. One reason HIV is hard to eliminate is its ability to escape drug treatment by hiding in the body, including in the lymph nodes and spleen.

Infected cells hole up in an area of the lymph tissue called the B cell follicles. Immune cells, including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, whose job is to kill virally infected cells, are generally unable to reach the B cell follicles, making them a safe space for the virus.

Using findings from a previous study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2017 focused on B cells, a research team at Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) studied rhesus macaques with chronic SIV infection.  

“Infiltration of these highly cytotoxic NK cells in the B cell follicles has never been shown before during chronic HIV/SIV,” says senior author Vijayakumar Velu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Division of Microbiology and Immunology at the EPC. “This study has implications for developing new cure strategies for HIV, as these cells traffic to B cell follicles during controlled infection,” says co-author Rama Amara, Ph.D.

While more research is needed before introducing new treatments to humans, it’s a huge step in ultimately finding a cure for those living with HIV.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system and, if not treated, can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Because of medical advancements, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), many people now live long lives with HIV, but researchers believe long-term viral control in the absence of ART (i.e. remission) might be possible. 

In pursuit of an HIV remission, researchers at the Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) are working to lower HIV persistence. They recently discovered the anti-inflammatory protein, interleukin-10, may be responsible for helping sustain cellular reservoirs, which enable the virus to hide. This breakthrough may lead to treatments that can block the effects of interleukin-10 and, therefore, reduce viral persistence, which is critical to finding alternative therapies to control HIV. 

The team worked with rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the animal form of HIV, to determine how interleukin-10 regulates the survival of cells known to harbor HIV. The team also studied the effects of blocking this protein to determine if doing so would reduce the persistence of the virus when used in combination with ART.

Mirko Paiardini, PhD, senior author of the study, said when his research team looked at lymph node tissues, they found the vast majority of cells infected with SIV were within close proximity to cells expressing interleukin-10. This was the case in both chronically infected animals and in those treated with ART.

The team found in the monkeys treated with ART and an antibody against interleukin-10 a significant reduction in the frequency of immune cells harboring SIV in the macaques’ lymph nodes. The discovery confirms Interleukin-10 signaling is critically involved in promoting the survival of the cells harboring the virus and warrants further research in nonhuman primates.