Sidaction and Aidsfonds fund four HIV cure research studies

Last updated on: 12 January 2026

For the second time, Sidaction and Aidsfonds have joined forces through an ambitious call for projects focused on HIV cure. We are pleased to announce the funding of four new research projects dedicated to advancing the HIV response.

These granted initiatives address both the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying viral persistence, the ethical and social challenges of clinical research, as well as the development of innovative immunotherapy approaches and the analysis of immune responses associated with durable viral control.

The funding follows a joint 2025 call for proposals with the goal to find a cure for HIV. Congratulations to the project teams for the quality of their work and their strong commitment to research and public health.

The granted research proposals

Dynamics of HIV expression and persistence of viral reservoirs

Principal investigator: Eugenia Basyuk – University of Bordeaux
This project aims to study the mechanisms that regulate the activation of the HIV genome in latently infected cells. By comparing HIV-1 and HIV-2, the team analyses how fluctuations in transcriptional activity influence viral reactivation and the evolution of reservoirs over the course of infection. The expected outcomes seek to improve understanding of the biological determinants of viral persistence and to guide the development of functional cure strategies.

Participant perceptions and ethical challenges in HIV cure research in Africa

Principal investigator: John B.F. de Wit – Amsterdam University Medical Center
The AURORA project develops an assessment tool designed to better understand the representations, expectations and concerns of participants in HIV cure/remission clinical trials in Africa. Drawing on social science approaches and innovative psychometric methods, it aims to strengthen the quality of informed consent, the acceptability of study protocols and the ethical conduct of trials, particularly those involving analytical treatment interruptions. The project also contributes to local capacity building and the harmonisation of practices at the international level.

In vivo generation of CAR-T cells to target HIV reservoirs

Principal investigator: Mark Killick – University of the Witwatersrand
This project proposes an innovative approach to generate HIV-specific CAR-T cells directly in vivo using lipid nanoparticles. These cells are designed to target infected CD4 T cells, particularly in lymphoid tissues where viral reservoirs are concentrated. The project aims to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of this strategy in experimental models, with the long-term objective of reaching viral reservoirs and reducing dependence on lifelong antiretroviral therapy.

B cell responses and antibody evolution following immunotherapy with broadly neutralising antibodies (bnAbs)

Principal investigator: Judie Magura – Africa Health Research Institute
This project analyses the immunological mechanisms associated with durable HIV control observed in some women following the administration of broadly neutralising antibodies (bnAbs) and subsequent interruption of antiretroviral therapy. Using samples from a clinical trial, the team will examine the evolution of humoral responses and B cell dynamics. The results aim to identify immune markers associated with post-treatment control and to inform the development of future therapeutic strategies.

About the grants call 2025

This work is part of the €2 million initiative from Sidaction and Aidsfonds and has brought together researchers from France, the Netherlands and several African countries.

This collaboration aims to support interdisciplinary and innovative research projects on mechanisms and strategies that could lead to an HIV cure or long-term remission.

Sidaction and Aidsfonds thus reaffirm their commitment to promoting scientific progress while placing communities at the heart of solutions. This ambitious initiative encourages the development of partnerships between European and African research teams, as well as collaborations with communities.

It represents a promising step forward in HIV response and a strong example of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges.