How the CPSF6 protein affects HIV infection in CD4 T cells

Deciphering the Role of CPSF6 in HIV Infection

NIH-funded research Northwestern University · NIH-11137114

This project looks at whether the human protein CPSF6 controls how HIV infects CD4 T cells and alters the immune response.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11137114 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This work studies a human protein called CPSF6 and how it shapes HIV infection and the cell's antiviral defenses. Researchers will use human CD4+ T cells in the lab, removing or altering CPSF6 and measuring HIV replication and the activation of interferon-stimulated genes. They will also examine whether HIV changes CPSF6 function and test related cellular pathways that might control infection. The experiments are done on cells rather than testing new treatments in people, but results could point to future therapy targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants would be people living with HIV or healthy volunteer blood donors willing to provide blood samples for CD4+ T cell studies.

Not a fit: People hoping for immediate changes to their HIV treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit because this is laboratory research rather than a clinical therapy trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal new targets to boost immune control of HIV or guide development of antiviral strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have produced mixed results—some experiments suggested CPSF6 restricts HIV while recent primary CD4+ T cell work showed increased viral replication when CPSF6 is lost.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.