Identifying aptamers that target different forms of the HIV-1 capsid protein
Official title: Aptamers that discriminate among HIV-1 capsid assembly states
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10993638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the HIV virus that helps it grow and hide from the immune system, and the researchers are creating special molecules that can stick to this part to learn more about how the virus works, which could help find better ways to fight HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181629-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are seeking new treatment options or insights into their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are already on effective treatment regimens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the HIV-1 capsid protein, which plays a crucial role in the virus's ability to replicate and evade the immune system. The team is developing RNA aptamers that can specifically bind to different assembly forms of the capsid protein, which may help in studying how the virus interacts with host cells. By using these aptamers, researchers aim to gain insights into the structural dynamics of the capsid during viral assembly and replication. This could lead to new strategies for targeting HIV more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for HIV by providing new tools to understand and disrupt the virus's replication process.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using aptamers for targeting viral proteins, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lange, Margaret J — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Lange, Margaret J
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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.