How m6A RNA Modifications Affect HIV-1 Replication in CD4+ T Cells
Official title: How m6A RNA Modifications Regulate HIV-1 Replication in Primary CD4+ T Cells
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11469737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a common RNA modification (m6A) influences HIV-1 replication in human CD4+ T cells, with the aim of uncovering new ways to understand and potentially better manage HIV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,505,340 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI203406-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11469737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who have CD4+ T cells could potentially benefit from therapies emerging from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or without CD4+ T-cell involvement are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
The research explores how m6A RNA modifications regulate HIV-1 growth in primary CD4+ T cells and in model T cells. Scientists will examine how the METTL3-METTL14 complex and phosphorylation events affect viral replication and RNA behavior. The study will identify which host mRNAs change with HIV-1 infection and how these changes drive virus production, with a focus on PLIN3 and related pathways. Results could reveal new targets for therapies that limit HIV-1 replication at the cellular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new molecular targets to limit HIV-1 replication in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows m6A influences viral infections, with some findings suggesting regulatory roles in HIV-1 replication; this project builds on that foundation in human T cells.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Li — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Wu, Li
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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.