Investigating how HIV uses specific receptors for transmission
Official title: CCR5 determinants for the HIV transmitted founder phenotype
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10877909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain types of HIV enter cells and how they use a specific receptor called CCR5, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent and treat HIV, which could help people living with the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174847-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for HIV infection or those who are HIV positive and have specific characteristics related to CCR5 receptor usage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who do not express the CCR5 receptor may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how HIV is transmitted through specific founder viruses that preferentially utilize the CCR5 receptor for entry into cells. By examining the characteristics of these transmitted/founder viruses, the study aims to understand the interactions between the virus and the CCR5 receptor, which could lead to improved prevention strategies. The researchers will use advanced imaging techniques to analyze how HIV affects the CCR5 receptor on the surface of cells, potentially revealing new targets for treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform future therapies or preventive measures against HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for preventing HIV transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV transmission dynamics, but this specific approach focusing on CCR5 receptor interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heredia, Alonso — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Heredia, Alonso
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.