How HIV gets into cells and ways to block it
HIV-1 membrane fusion and inhibition
Scientists are mapping the HIV envelope protein that lets the virus fuse with human cells to find ways to block infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306021 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to reveal the complete shape and membrane context of the HIV envelope 'spike' that lets the virus fuse with human cells. Researchers use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and membrane-like models (bicelles) to map the transmembrane region, the membrane-proximal external region (MPER), and the cytoplasmic tail of the spike. They examine how changes in these parts affect fusion and how antibodies recognize the spike. The goal is to identify vulnerable sites that could be targeted by drugs or antibodies to stop viral entry.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples or who may join future trials of entry-blocking therapies would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without HIV or patients needing immediate clinical treatment decisions should not expect direct medical benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide new drugs or antibodies that prevent HIV from entering cells.
How similar studies have performed: Structure-guided efforts have produced HIV fusion blockers and promising antibodies before, but obtaining a high-resolution Env structure in a true membrane context is a newer and less-tested goal.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Bing — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chen, Bing
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.