How HIV hides from the immune system and spreads between cells
HIV immune evasion and escape through T cell virological synapses
This study is looking at how the HIV virus hides from the immune system and spreads between cells, which could help us find better ways to help the immune system recognize and fight HIV-infected cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, manages to evade the immune system and spread between cells. It focuses on the interactions between infected and uninfected cells through structures called virological synapses, which help the virus avoid detection. By studying the behavior of a key viral protein, Env, the research aims to understand how it changes during the process of cell-to-cell transmission and how this affects the immune response. The findings could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune detection of HIV-infected cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing challenges with immune response and viral persistence.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have achieved complete viral suppression may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate HIV-infected cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV's immune evasion strategies, but this specific approach focusing on virological synapses is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Benjamin K — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Chen, Benjamin K
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.