How HIV capsids enter the nucleus of cells
Affinity Gradient-Based Transport of HIV Capsid Cores through the Nuclear Pore Complex
This study is looking at how the HIV virus gets into cells by figuring out how its protective shell moves through a tiny opening in the cell's barrier, which could help us find new ways to treat HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10896193 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HIV capsid cores, which are essential for the virus's ability to infect cells, transport through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) of non-dividing cells. The study aims to understand how these viral structures, which encapsulate the viral genome, can pass through the NPC, a critical barrier in the cell. By analyzing the interactions between HIV capsid proteins and the components of the NPC, researchers hope to uncover the molecular details of this process. This could lead to new insights into HIV infection and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV or those at high risk of HIV infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or do not have risk factors for HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating HIV infections.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on HIV transport mechanisms, this research proposes a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melcak, Ivo — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Melcak, Ivo
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.