HIV proteins in liver cell exosomes that trigger liver scarring
Non-ISGylated HIV proteins are sorted to hepatic exosomes to activate liver fibrosi
This work looks at whether HIV proteins packaged into tiny particles from infected liver cells cause scarring in the livers of people living with HIV, especially those who drink alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164723 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will grow liver cells exposed to HIV and alcohol in the lab to collect the small particles (exosomes) those cells release and study what proteins they carry. They will focus on a specific chemical tag called ISG15 that can change how HIV proteins are handled and sorted into exosomes. The researchers will test whether exosomes with or without ISG15-modified HIV proteins activate scar-forming liver cells (hepatic stellate cells). The goal is to find the specific exosome cargo and steps that drive liver fibrosis in people living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with HIV, particularly those who drink heavily or show early signs of liver disease.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those whose liver disease has unrelated causes, or anyone hoping for an immediate new treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this early lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific HIV protein cargo or pathways that drive liver fibrosis and point to ways to prevent or treat liver scarring in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show viral proteins and exosomes can influence liver cells, but focusing on ISG15-modified (ISGylated) HIV proteins as drivers of fibrosis is a newer idea with limited prior results.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Osna, Natalia Aleksandr — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Osna, Natalia Aleksandr
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.