How HIV's shell gets into the cell nucleus
A multiscale approach for elucidating nuclear entry mechanisms of HIV-1 capsid
This project builds tiny lab models of the cell's nuclear pore and virus shell to learn how HIV-1 delivers its genes into human cell nuclei.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164679 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create artificial nuclear pores (NuPODs) using DNA-origami and attach the key pore proteins to mimic the cell's nuclear gate. They will assemble programmable HIV capsid proteins into higher-order shells that resemble the virus's protective coat and watch how those shells interact with the artificial pores. Using structural, biochemical, and binding assays, the team will change pore dimensions and protein patterns to identify the steps and molecules that let the capsid cross into the nucleus. These experiments are lab-based and aim to reproduce the native shapes and interactions that earlier methods could not capture.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV and clinicians following HIV research may benefit from the findings, although this R01 does not currently enroll patients.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate changes in their treatment or clinical care will not receive direct benefit from these laboratory experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific steps or host-virus contacts that new drugs could target to block HIV nuclear entry.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified some host factors involved in HIV nuclear entry, but using DNA-origami NPC mimics to recreate full capsid–nucleoporin interactions is a novel and more detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiong, Yong — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Xiong, Yong
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.