How HIV's 3D structure lets it enter and take over human cells
CHEETAH Center for the Structural Biology of HIV Infection, Restriction, and Viral Dynamics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-11327347
This work maps the 3‑D shapes and steps HIV uses to enter human cells and copy its genes to help people living with or at risk for HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11327347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are building detailed 3‑D pictures of HIV and tracking how the virus enters human cells and begins copying its genetic material. They use high‑resolution imaging (such as cryo‑EM and cellular microscopy), biochemical binding assays, and molecular mapping to capture structures at different stages of entry and reverse transcription. The team is focused on the viral envelope proteins, the protective core particle, and the transition from genome initiation to elongation. Learning these moving parts may reveal weak spots where new drugs or vaccines could block infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with HIV or those at risk who are willing to support research by donating blood or other samples or by participating in linked observational efforts.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct therapeutic benefit are unlikely to gain direct help from this basic structural research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal precise viral structures and steps that new drugs or vaccines can target to prevent or treat HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural studies of HIV components have successfully revealed drug and vaccine targets, though capturing the full dynamic entry and reverse transcription sequence at high resolution is more novel.
Where this research is happening
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES
- UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH — SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BJORKMAN, PAMELA J — UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- Study coordinator: BJORKMAN, PAMELA J
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: Biology of HIV Infection