Investigating how small clusters of infected T cells spread HIV-1
Official title: Multiscale analysis of HIV-1-induced small T cell syncytia
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10873248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny groups of infected T cells, called syncytia, help HIV spread in the body, and it aims to find out if stopping these syncytia could be a new way to prevent the virus from spreading, which could be helpful for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $537,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172486-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV or are at high risk of HIV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those in advanced stages of HIV disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how small clusters of infected T cells, known as syncytia, contribute to the spread of HIV-1 in the body. By examining the movement and behavior of these syncytia, the researchers aim to uncover their role in the early stages of HIV infection. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques and collaborate with a leading HIV proteomics lab to analyze the factors that help maintain these syncytia. The ultimate goal is to determine if targeting these syncytia could be a viable strategy for preventing HIV dissemination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing the spread of HIV in patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of small syncytia in HIV dissemination is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown success in understanding larger syncytia in late-stage infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thali, Markus — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Thali, Markus
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.