Investigating how a specific protein helps HIV-1 evade the immune system
Official title: ESCRT-Related protein PTPN23 as a cofactor for HIV-1 Vpu
Funded at Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego · NIH-10678902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein helps the HIV virus avoid the body's defenses, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatments for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $179,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI172599-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10678902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals living with HIV-1 who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those who are not responsive to current treatments may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the ESCRT-associated protein PTPN23 in the HIV-1 lifecycle, particularly how it interacts with the viral protein Vpu to facilitate the virus's ability to evade the host's immune responses. By examining the mechanisms through which HIV-1 manipulates host cellular processes, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for HIV-1 infection. The approach involves techniques such as transient knockdown of PTPN23 to observe its effects on viral release and immune evasion. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new strategies for combating HIV-1.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the immune response against HIV-1.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting viral accessory proteins to enhance immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stoneham, Charlotte a — Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
- Study coordinator: Stoneham, Charlotte a
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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.