Developing RNA-based molecules to target and degrade HIV-1 proteins
Official title: RNA-based PROTACs Targeting HIV-1
Funded at Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego · NIH-10674998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to create special molecules that can help get rid of tough proteins linked to HIV, which could lead to better treatments and possibly a functional cure for people living with the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $71,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI172489-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10674998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those who have already achieved viral suppression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative molecules that can target and degrade proteins associated with HIV-1, which are often difficult to address using traditional drug discovery methods. By combining PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) with RNA aptamers, the project aims to develop a system that can effectively eliminate these 'undruggable' proteins. This approach could help in targeting proteins that allow HIV to evade the immune system and maintain latency, which are significant challenges in curing HIV infection. Patients may benefit from this research as it explores new avenues for treatment that could lead to a functional cure for HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that effectively eliminate HIV-1 from the body.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using RNA-based PROTACs is relatively novel, similar strategies targeting undruggable proteins have shown promise in other areas of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewinski, Mary Kathleen — Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
- Study coordinator: Lewinski, Mary Kathleen
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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.