How HIV hides from the immune system at cell-to-cell contact points
HIV immune evasion and escape through T cell virological synapses
['FUNDING_R37'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11334330
Researchers are looking at how HIV hides during direct cell-to-cell spread to help people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11334330 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project examines how HIV moves directly between cells using virological synapses and how that process can hide viral proteins from immune detection. The team studies the viral envelope protein (Env) as it travels to the cell surface, gets recycled inside the cell, and becomes part of new virus particles using lab-grown cell models and human-derived virus samples. They compare how Env is seen by antibodies on infected cells versus free virus particles to understand why infected cells may be less visible to the immune system. The work maps the steps of Env trafficking that create different antigenic states during cell-to-cell transmission.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not directly enroll patients, but its findings are most relevant to adults living with HIV who might benefit from improved therapies in the future.
Not a fit: People without HIV and patients whose virus is already fully suppressed on current antiretroviral therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to make infected cells more visible to the immune system and inform vaccines or therapies that better clear HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that cell-to-cell HIV spread can shield the virus from antibodies, but translating those findings into effective treatments or vaccines remains unproven.
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus