Cell proteins that help block HIV

MARCH Proteins, Members of a Host Protein Family that Targets HIV

['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO · NIH-11372782

This work looks at how human MARCH proteins stop HIV from forming infectious particles and whether HIV can get around them.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AMHERST, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11372782 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Scientists are studying a family of human proteins called MARCH that can remove viral components and block HIV from becoming infectious. They will search for any HIV-made factor that neutralizes MARCH8 and test envelopes from many HIV subtypes to see which are vulnerable. Experiments use molecular biology, cell cultures, and viral assays to track how MARCH proteins and viral factors interact. The goal is to understand mechanisms that could be used later to make new antiviral approaches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People living with HIV, particularly those with diverse viral subtypes or willing to donate virus-containing samples, would be the relevant population for related future studies or sample contributions.

Not a fit: People without HIV or those already well controlled on antiretroviral therapy are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory work in the near term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to tip the balance in favor of the immune system and inspire therapies that make HIV less able to spread.

How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown MARCH1, MARCH2, and MARCH8 can restrict HIV in cell systems, but how HIV counters these proteins and subtype differences remain largely untested.

Where this research is happening

AMHERST, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.