How HIV puts its RNA together and how to block it
Official title: Ribonucleoprotein complexes involved in the late phase of HIV-1 replication
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11539536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how HIV packages its genetic material, with the goal of finding new ways to stop the virus from assembling and spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AI186598-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11539536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not currently a patient-initiated study; findings could later inform patients through drug development.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described in the grant abstract.
What this research studies
This project will use advanced structural biology techniques to map how the HIV Gag protein and the RNA packaging signal work together during assembly. By examining interactions between Gag, NC, and the RNA packaging signal, the study aims to reveal critical steps in the virus lifecycle. The work also explores how host proteins like Staufen1 may influence this process, which could point to new drug targets. The approach combines isotope-edited NMR and related methods to build a detailed picture of the assembly process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify new targets for antiviral drugs that disrupt HIV assembly and reduce viral replication.
How similar studies have gone: Structural biology approaches have provided insights into HIV assembly in prior research, supporting the potential for new discoveries here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollmann, Nele Merret — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Hollmann, Nele Merret
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.