Creating a new type of HIV for studying AIDS
Official title: Engineering simian-compatible HIV-1
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11009371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specially modified version of the HIV virus to help researchers learn how it affects the immune system, which could lead to better treatments and vaccines for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $183,602 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI179337-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals affected by HIV/AIDS or those at high risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by HIV/AIDS or do not have risk factors for the virus may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on engineering a modified version of the HIV virus that is compatible with simian models to better understand AIDS pathogenesis. By constructing a chimeric HIV-1 backbone with minimal SIV gene fragments, the study aims to investigate how this modified virus can activate resting T cells, which is crucial for understanding HIV replication and developing effective vaccines and therapies. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to improved treatments for HIV/AIDS. The methodology involves using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to test the activation of T cells by the engineered virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research with similar approaches has shown promise, particularly in the use of chimeric viruses for studying HIV dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, in-Woo — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Park, in-Woo
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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.