How FEZ proteins help HIV move inside human cells
Official title: The Role of FEZ Protein Homologs in Early HIV-1 Infection
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11231237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how proteins called FEZ help HIV travel inside human cells early after infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | November 13, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $716,595 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI189411-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11231237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who are willing to provide blood or cell samples for laboratory studies or to be contacted about related clinical research may be relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Because this is lab-based basic research rather than a treatment trial, participants should not expect immediate clinical benefits.
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is trying to understand how HIV particles hitch a ride on the cell's transport system right after they enter a cell. They focus on FEZ proteins and how those proteins let the virus use microtubule motor complexes like kinesin-1. Lab work uses genetic and biochemical tests plus live-cell imaging in biologically relevant cell types to watch and manipulate these interactions. The work aims to map the steps the virus uses to reach the nucleus so researchers can spot weak points.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to block HIV from reaching the nucleus and open targets for antiviral drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory studies have shown FEZ1 interacts with incoming HIV and microtubule motors, but turning that knowledge into therapies is still early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naghavi, Mojgan Hosseini — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Naghavi, Mojgan Hosseini
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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.