How HIV builds and reshapes its outer protein shell before becoming infectious
Architecture and dynamics of immature HIV lattice
The team is looking at how HIV proteins come together and change as new virus particles form, which could help people living with HIV in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162537 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are using advanced imaging, biophysical measurements, and computer modeling to watch the tiny protein lattice that holds new HIV particles together. They will test how non-Gag viral components affect the lattice’s stability and measure the molecular forces that hold it in place. The team will also study how movements within that lattice trigger viral enzymes that convert immature particles into infectious virus. Results are intended to guide the design of drugs that block maturation and prevent new infectious virus from forming.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are willing to donate blood or other samples for laboratory studies would be the most likely participants.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those seeking immediate changes to their clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better antiviral drugs that stop HIV from maturing and infecting new cells.
How similar studies have performed: Related structural and biochemical studies have informed candidate maturation inhibitors before, but turning those insights into consistently effective drugs has been difficult, so this work builds on and refines prior efforts.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saffarian, Saveez — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Saffarian, Saveez
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.