MARCH proteins that help stop HIV from forming infectious virus
MARCH Proteins, Members of a Host Protein Family that Targets HIV
Researchers are looking at natural human proteins called MARCH that can stop HIV from making infectious particles, to understand how they work and why some HIV types resist them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235174 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on MARCH proteins, a family of human enzymes that can prevent HIV from incorporating its envelope and becoming infectious. Scientists will use lab-grown cells and viral samples to see how MARCH proteins block virus assembly and to search for any HIV protein that can counteract MARCH8. They will also compare envelope proteins from different HIV subtypes to find which viruses are vulnerable or resistant. The experiments are performed in the lab rather than as a clinical trial, but the results could point toward new antiviral strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV — especially those willing to provide blood or viral samples, including samples from different viral subtypes — would be the most relevant candidates to contribute.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those not able to provide samples are unlikely to see direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to block HIV spread or inspire therapies that boost the body's natural MARCH defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown MARCH1/2/8 can restrict HIV in cells, but applying this knowledge to create treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stavrou, Spyridon — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Stavrou, Spyridon
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 below.