Blocking an enzyme that helps HIV make new virus particles
A Sphingomyelin Hydrolase Regulates the Late Stages of HIV Assembly and Budding
This work looks at whether blocking an enzyme called nSMase2 can stop HIV from producing infectious virus in people living with HIV.
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 ID | NIH-11310382 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
HIV builds new virus particles at special spots on cell membranes that are rich in certain fats, and researchers found an enzyme called nSMase2 helps that process. In the lab they used cell experiments and humanized mice infected with HIV to test drugs or genetic approaches that block nSMase2. Blocking the enzyme prevented proper virus maturation and, in mice, drove viral loads down to undetectable levels with no rebound after stopping treatment. The team aims to learn whether targeting nSMase2 could become a new way to stop HIV from making infectious virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults living with HIV, especially those with detectable viral loads or virus that is not fully controlled by current treatments.
Not a fit: People without HIV will not benefit, and patients whose virus does not rely on the nSMase2 pathway or who cannot take an nSMase2-blocking drug may not see benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, targeting nSMase2 could become a new treatment approach that prevents HIV from producing infectious virus and may suppress viral loads even after stopping therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab and humanized-mouse experiments reported promising suppression of HIV, but translating nSMase2 inhibition to people is a novel and unproven approach.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haughey, Norman J — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Haughey, Norman J
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 below.