How HIV-1 infects CD4+ T cells through a process called macropinocytosis
Official title: Roles of Macropinocytosis in HIV-1 infection of CD4+ T Cells
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11109483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-1 gets into important immune cells called CD4+ T cells and how a special process called macropinocytosis helps with this, so we can find new ways to fight HIV/AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $642,522 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165381-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly those with active CD4+ T cell involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macropinocytosis, a unique cellular process, in how HIV-1 infects CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for the immune response. The team aims to understand the specific mechanisms of HIV-1 entry into these cells, focusing on how this process differs from previously studied methods. By examining the effects of inhibiting macropinocytosis, the researchers hope to uncover new insights into HIV-1 infection and its impact on immune function. This could lead to novel therapeutic strategies to combat HIV/AIDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent HIV-1 from infecting immune cells, potentially improving outcomes for patients with HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on macropinocytosis in HIV-1 infection is relatively novel, other studies have successfully explored alternative entry mechanisms for viruses, indicating potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ono, Akira — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Ono, Akira
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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.