Investigating how HIV evades the immune system through cell communication
Official title: HIV immune evasion and escape through T cell virological synapses
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11160010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the HIV virus called the Envelope protein to understand how it helps the virus infect cells and avoid the immune system, with the hope that this knowledge can lead to better treatments for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,232 |
| NIH project number | 3R37AI148064-13S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160010 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 who are not infected with HIV or who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the HIV Envelope (Env) protein, which plays a crucial role in how the virus infects cells and evades the immune response. The study examines the different forms of the Env protein, particularly how they are processed and presented on the surface of infected cells. By analyzing these conformational states, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that allow HIV to resist neutralizing antibodies, which could lead to more effective treatments. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to enhance immune responses against HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating HIV infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV's immune evasion strategies, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Benjamin K — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Chen, Benjamin K
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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.