How an HIV protein (Vpr) helps the virus hide in immune cells
Impact of Vpr-induced epigenetic remodeling on HIV persistence
This project aims to find out if an HIV protein called Vpr changes how immune cells pack their DNA so the virus can hide and persist in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324289 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on myeloid immune cells (such as macrophages) that can act as long-lived hiding places for HIV. Scientists will examine how the viral protein Vpr triggers DNA damage repair signals that open chromatin at viral integration sites, using lab-grown cells and human-derived samples. They will map epigenetic changes and test whether disrupting Vpr or its downstream pathways reduces ongoing viral transcription from these cells. The goal is to identify molecular steps that could later be targeted to reduce or eliminate the myeloid cell HIV reservoir.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors are people living with HIV who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples, especially those on antiretroviral therapy with low or undetectable viral loads.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new molecular targets to help clear long-lived HIV reservoirs and advance efforts toward a cure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown Vpr affects DNA damage responses and replication in myeloid cells, but linking Vpr-driven epigenetic remodeling to durable HIV persistence is a relatively new and emerging area.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salamango, Daniel James — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Salamango, Daniel James
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.