How HIV changes shape as it matures and how inhibitors stop that process
Molecular investigations of HIV-1 maturation pathways and inhibitor actions in situ
This project looks at how HIV reshapes itself inside cells and how drugs can block that step, with the goal of helping people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324658 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced frozen-stage electron microscopy to take very detailed pictures of HIV as it matures inside cells and in purified virus particles. They will study virus samples from infected cells, including virus taken from patients and primary CD4+ T cells, to see the stepwise structural changes of the viral core. The team will map where and how maturation proceeds and how known inhibitors interact with those structures. Findings will focus on transitional capsid forms that could reveal new places for medicines to act.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are willing to donate blood or virus samples for laboratory research would be ideal contributors to this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those seeking immediate changes to their personal treatment plan are unlikely to gain direct, immediate benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets and improve drugs that block HIV maturation, potentially leading to better treatments.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution cryo-EM studies have previously revealed capsid structures and informed drug design, but applying in situ cryo-EM to HIV maturation and inhibitor action is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiong, Yong — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Xiong, Yong
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.