Investigating how HIV-1 integrates into T-lymphocytes
Official title: Correlative cryoET of the HIV-1 integration targeting in native T-lymphocytes
Funded at University of Oxford · NIH-11043353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HIV-1 virus connects its genetic material to important immune cells in your body, which could help us find new ways to treat HIV and improve health for people living with the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | February 26, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $139,617 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI184080-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are undergoing treatment and have a strong immune response.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those with advanced AIDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the HIV-1 virus integrates its genetic material into the DNA of T-lymphocytes, which are crucial immune cells. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to visualize the integration process at a molecular level, providing insights into the chromatin architecture where this integration occurs. The research will involve analyzing the preintegration complex and its interaction with the host cell's genome, which is essential for establishing a persistent HIV infection. This could lead to a better understanding of HIV pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating HIV infections by targeting the integration process.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to study viral integration, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Peijun — University of Oxford
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Peijun
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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.