# HIV Theranostic

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $685,287

## Abstract

Abstract
Our laboratories birthed the field of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) theranostics. The new field allows
simultaneous detection (diagnostics) and treatment (therapeutic) for the identification and ultimate elimination of
viral tissue compartments and cellular reservoir sites with a focus on the central nervous system. By employing
theranostics viral entry sites in lymph nodes, gut and brain can be tracked during antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Cellular viral targets including CD4+ T cell populations and mononuclear phagocytes (MP; monocytes,
macrophages, microglia and dendritic cells) subcellular endosomal structures can now be targeted for drug
delivery in sites of active viral growth. The advantage of theranostics rests in that any steps towards improved
HIV therapeutics and elimination strategies that requires precise targeted delivery of antiviral drugs. Bringing
virus-combating agents to anatomically privileged tissues of latent viral infection can be defined through magnetic
resonance and single photon emission computed tomography imaging facilitated by multimodal antiretroviral
drug (ARV) probes. To deploy such technologies, as virus detectors we have successfully mirrored HIV
infection in both the human brain and in lymphoid tissue by creating a first in kind completely humanized
“microglial” mouse. The animal is populated by human CD4+ T cells and MPs and as such contains the
principal “human” HIV-1 target cells in a murine model background. Thus, in the current proposal we plan to
advance a theranostic nanosystem through improvements in the physical and chemical properties of particles
that resemble a complete HIV-1 virion. The realization of the projects’ goals can result in the accurate
assessment of viral biodistribution and optimal antiretroviral responses. To achieve this outcome we will employ
two different nanoparticle formats. The first is bismuth sulfur nanorods and the second is a pseudovirus. Each of
the made particles will be detector-tagged and ARV loaded. The combinations of a bioimaging detector and
payload deliverer defines our multimodality system that enables unique insights into virus compartmentalization,
drug biodistribution and hidden viral reservoirs. The long-term goal is to improve current therapeutic regimens
with an emphasis on those that target the nervous system. The research brings together a group of chemists,
biologists, pharmacologists, virologists, radiologists and immunologists with a long successful track record of
working effectively as a team with singular goals to develop products that facilitate HIV-1 control.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10198710
- **Project number:** 5R01MH121402-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Prasanta Kumar Dash
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $685,287
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-23 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10198710

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10198710, HIV Theranostic (5R01MH121402-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10198710. Licensed CC0.

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