How HIV particles form, mature, and leave infected cells
Multiscale Simulation of HIV-1 Virion Release and Maturation
Using advanced computer models and lab data, researchers are mapping how HIV particles form, mature, and exit infected cells to help people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will build detailed computer simulations that combine all-atom and coarse-grained models to capture both small-scale molecular events and larger-scale viral rearrangements. They will simulate key steps such as Gag protein cleavage, capsid assembly, RNA packaging, and the late stages of virion release from infected cells. The simulation work will be integrated with experiments from collaborating labs so the models can be checked and refined against real data. Together this approach aims to produce a clearer, multiscale picture of how HIV becomes an infectious particle.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not directly enroll patients, but people living with HIV or those willing to provide samples in future collaborator studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those seeking immediate changes to their medical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic computational and laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to block HIV maturation or release and guide future drug or vaccine development.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecular simulations have clarified viral structures and informed drug ideas, but applying multiscale simulations to whole-virion maturation and release is relatively new and ambitious.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Voth, Gregory a. — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Voth, Gregory a.
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.