HIV/AIDS

Basic Research

Basic science research has provided valuable scientific information about the basic biology of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the immune response to HIV infection. Much has been learned over the last 25 years since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic about how HIV is transmitted, how the virus invades and is reproduced in the cell, and how HIV causes the progressive disease that leads to AIDS. However, questions still remain about the molecular interactions involved in the regulation of HIV expression and replication in human immune cells, why the host immune response is not fully effective in controlling the infection, and how reservoirs of infection persist in the body despite highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Basic scientific information about how the virus attacks the body and how the body defends itself is critical to feeding the pipeline that generates new targets against which therapeutic interventions and vaccines can be directed.

NIAID supports an HIV basic research program that provides valuable scientific information about the basic biology of HIV, the immune response to HIV infection, and potential targets for prevention and therapeutic strategies. NIAID’s research agenda is guided by the NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR), the entity responsible for the overall scientific, budgetary, legislative, and policy elements of all AIDS research sponsored by NIH.  The major areas of research within NIAID's basic research agenda include:

• HIV Pathogenesis
• HIV Targeted Interventions

Additional Information

• NIAID Resources for Researchers
• Funding Opportunities
• Scientific Meetings, Workshops, and Events
• Partners and Collaborators
• Clinical Research
• Advisory Groups and Committees
• Reports and Articles