How HIV-1 starts copying its genetic material
Structural understanding of the HIV-1 reverse transcription initiation process
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11140499
This work looks at how HIV-1 begins copying its genetic code so scientists can find new ways to block the virus for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11140499 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will map the three-dimensional structure of the critical complex formed between the viral RNA and a host tRNA that serves as the primer for copying HIV's genome. They will use high-resolution structural methods and biochemical experiments to see how two reverse transcriptase molecules bind and remodel that complex. The team will change parts of the RNA-protein architecture and test how those changes affect the accuracy of the copying process. Learning these steps aims to reveal specific molecular actions that could be targeted to stop the virus from reproducing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; its results are intended to help people living with HIV through future drug or therapeutic development.
Not a fit: People without HIV infection or those affected by unrelated conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to block HIV replication and guide development of better antiviral drugs.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution structural studies have previously informed effective HIV drugs, but the specific multi-step initiation mechanism described here is a newer and less-tested finding.
Where this research is happening
CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY — CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'SOUZA, VICTORIA MANUEL — HARVARD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: D'SOUZA, VICTORIA MANUEL
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus