EHD4 protein and HIV-1 infection: a new potential antiviral target
Official title: EHD4 and its role on HIV-1 infection
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11378780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how the human protein EHD4 affects HIV-1 infection and whether it could be targeted to develop better antiviral therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | July 28, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $198,924 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186625-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV-1 may benefit indirectly if findings lead to new therapies, diagnostics, or strategies.
✕Less likely to help
The grant focuses on basic mechanisms; it may not offer direct benefits to current patients during the study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a human cellular protein called EHD4 interacts with HIV-1 during virus production. By exploring how EHD4 changes the infectivity of new virus particles, researchers hope to uncover new ways to limit HIV-1 replication. The work involves cellular and molecular experiments to map the relationship between EHD4, HIV-1 proteins, and the virus assembly process. The findings could point to novel targets for therapies that complement existing antiretroviral drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could reveal a new host factor to target for reducing HIV-1 spread and improving treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data suggest EHD4 can restrict HIV-1 infectivity, indicating this is a plausible and testable mechanism.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stavrou, Spyridon — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Stavrou, Spyridon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BEAT-HIV: a collaborative effort to cure HIV with immunotherapy
A multi-institution study is testing a combination immunotherapy approach to achieve long-term HIV remission or cure for people on ART.
-
Phosphatidylserine-targeting antibodies and T cell function in HIV-1 infection
This NIH grant will explore how antibodies that target phosphatidylserine affect immune cells in people living with HIV on ART.
-
Ribosomal frameshifting in HIV-1 infection and its effects on inflammation and brain health
A study at the University of Rochester will explore how HIV-1 may change human cell machinery to boost its own replication and cause inflammation and brain-related problems.
-
Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome to protect HIV patients from stroke
A small NIH grant will explore whether HIV infection makes stroke worse and whether blocking a brain inflammation pathway (NLRP3) could protect brain tissue.
-
Reprogramming tissue immune cells (macrophages) to target hidden HIV
Trying small drug molecules to reprogram tissue immune cells so infected cells die and hidden HIV is reduced in people living with HIV.
-
Understanding Brain Cell Growth in People with HIV and Methamphetamine Exposure
This research explores how HIV and methamphetamine use together might change how new brain cells grow, aiming to understand related thinking problems.
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.