Investigating new targets in HIV-1 proteins for potential viral inactivation
Official title: Dehydroamino acids in HIV-1 capsid and matrix proteins: new potential targets for viral inactivation
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10897262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special changes in HIV-1 proteins that help the virus grow and spread, and it aims to find new ways to fight the virus by understanding how these changes happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $226,590 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI179434-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are living with HIV or are at risk of HIV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those without HIV infection may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding specific modifications in HIV-1 proteins that may play a crucial role in the virus's ability to replicate and infect cells. The team will explore dehydroamino acids found in the capsid and matrix proteins of HIV-1, which are not commonly present in human proteins. By conducting mutation studies and using advanced proteomics techniques, they aim to identify how these modifications affect the virus's lifecycle and to discover the enzymes responsible for their formation. This could lead to new strategies for targeting the virus more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating HIV-1 infections, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of dehydroamino acids in viral proteins is relatively novel, similar approaches targeting viral mechanisms have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Lloyd M — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Smith, Lloyd M
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.