HIV envelope protein: how its shape affects infection and immune protection
HIV-1 Env protein structure and function assessed by parallel smFRET and cryoET
Researchers are using two advanced imaging methods to watch how the outer HIV protein (Env) moves and hides from antibodies to help guide better vaccines for people living with or at risk for HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at the HIV envelope protein (Env) on actual virus particles to see how it changes shape. Scientists combine single-molecule FRET to follow Env motions in real time with cryo-electron tomography to capture 3D snapshots of Env on the virus surface. They also use virus-like particles carrying CD4 to trap Env at different steps of the entry process so they can image those states. Together, these approaches aim to reveal conformations of Env that current structures miss and explain how Env evades antibodies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV or volunteers interested in HIV vaccine research who might donate blood or virus-derived samples or enroll in future related trials would be relevant.
Not a fit: Because this is primarily lab-based structural work, people who are stable on antiretroviral therapy are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this research now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could inform design of vaccines or antibody therapies that better block HIV from entering cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using smFRET and structural methods have shown Env is flexible, but combining smFRET and cryoET on native virus particles is relatively new and aims to resolve earlier discrepancies.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mothes, Walther H — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mothes, Walther H
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.