How the HIV protein Vif helps the virus escape cellular defenses
Multifaceted interactions between lentiviral Vif and host molecules for viral infectivity enhancement
Researchers are mapping how an HIV protein called Vif binds and disables human cell proteins that normally block the virus, to help people living with HIV by pointing toward new treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105912 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists are looking closely at how the HIV protein Vif interacts with human proteins that normally stop infection. They will use high-resolution structural methods (such as cryo-EM or crystallography), biochemical and biophysical binding tests, and cell-based experiments to see how Vif causes target proteins like APOBEC3 family members and PP2A regulators to be degraded. The team will make specific, structure-guided mutations and test how those changes affect binding and viral infectivity. These laboratory approaches aim to reveal the exact mechanisms Vif uses to weaken cellular antiviral defenses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who want to support basic research or donate blood/tissue samples to related studies at nearby centers would be the most relevant candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People without HIV and those expecting immediate changes to their clinical care should not expect direct short-term benefits from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific molecular targets to block Vif, helping restore the cell's natural antiviral defenses and guiding new HIV treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior biochemical and some structural studies have improved understanding of Vif and APOBEC3 interactions, but important high-resolution details and mechanisms still need to be defined.
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.