How the natural protein SAMHD1 helps block HIV infection
Biochemistry of SAMHD1-mediated innate immunity responses
Researchers are looking into how the SAMHD1 protein helps immune cells starve HIV of the building blocks it needs to copy itself.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying SAMHD1, a natural protein that helps immune cells block HIV by reducing the cells' supply of DNA building blocks. They will examine how the protein changes shape and forms complexes that control those building blocks. Lab experiments will use purified protein work and tests on human immune cells or donated blood to see how these actions stop viral replication. The team hopes that understanding this mechanism could point toward ways to boost the body's natural defense or inspire new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include people living with HIV and healthy blood donors willing to provide blood samples for laboratory experiments.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate new treatment or cure should not expect direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to enhance natural antiviral defenses or to design therapies that mimic or boost SAMHD1 activity against HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown SAMHD1 can limit HIV replication in cells, but turning that knowledge into therapies is still early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ivanov, Dmitri N — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ivanov, Dmitri N
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.