How HIV gets into cells and how our natural defenses block it
CHEETAH Center for the Structural Biology of HIV Infection, Restriction, and Viral Dynamics
This project works to learn how proteins and innate immune responses stop HIV so researchers can find ways to boost those defenses for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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-11327349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, this center uses high-resolution structural methods and lab models to see exactly how HIV interacts with cell membranes and immune sensors. Scientists will map how SERINC proteins flip lipids in the virus membrane and how that change can prevent the virus from entering cells. They will also reconstitute cGAS sensing of HIV cores in the lab to understand how infected cells detect the virus early on. The goal is to translate those molecular insights into ideas for therapies or interventions that strengthen natural antiviral barriers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who can provide blood or tissue samples or who can travel to the research site for sample donation would be best suited to participate.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those seeking immediate improvements to their current HIV therapy are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that boost natural antiviral defenses or block HIV entry and viral rebound.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have identified SERINC structures and cGAS sensing pathways, but translating these findings into patient therapies is still largely novel and unproven.
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: Pornillos, Owen — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Pornillos, Owen
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.