How viruses change their entry methods to evade the immune system
Official title: Escape by Shifting: Viral Entry Tropism Shift as an Evolutionary Mechanism of Immune Evasion
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11224875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and similar viruses change the way they enter our cells to avoid being attacked by our immune system, and by understanding these changes, we hope to find better ways to treat and prevent infections for people living with these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | February 7, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,449 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI181601-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224875 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV or those at high risk of HIV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections unrelated to HIV may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain viruses, particularly HIV, can alter their entry mechanisms to escape the immune response. By examining the molecular changes that allow viruses to switch their receptor usage, the study aims to uncover the evolutionary strategies these pathogens employ to survive and thrive in their hosts. Patients may benefit from a deeper understanding of viral behavior, which could lead to improved treatments and preventive measures against infections. The research utilizes advanced genetic and virological techniques to analyze viral mutations and their effects on immune evasion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating viral infections, particularly in patients with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding viral mutations and immune evasion, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Hongshuo — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Song, Hongshuo
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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.