A key enzyme shaping HIV assembly and spread
Official title: A Sphingomyelin Hydrolase Regulates the Late Stages of HIV Assembly and Budding
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11412682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is studying how a specific lipid-breaking enzyme affects how HIV builds and leaves cells, with results that could lead to new ways to control infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $467,771 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131469-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV or those at risk who could be affected by new therapeutics targeting HIV assembly mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals whose virus does not rely on the studied lipid pathways may not benefit from therapies arising from this work.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV uses cell membranes to assemble and bud from infected cells, focusing on the role of the enzyme nSMase2 that creates ceramide, a lipid component of the membrane. By studying the HIV Gag protein’s interaction with nSMase2, researchers will test how blocking or deleting this enzyme changes viral particles and their maturation in humanized mice. The work combines cell biology experiments with animal models to understand late-stage HIV assembly and potential points to stop virus production. Findings could point toward novel strategies to reduce viral loads and improve control of infection. The study is grounded in human-relevant biology and uses humanized mouse models to approximate infection in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify a new target to impair HIV assembly and reduce viral loads in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests lipid microdomains are important for HIV assembly, and targeting sphingomyelin metabolism showed impact in models, supporting potential with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haughey, Norman J — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Haughey, Norman J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.