Nef-free SERINC5 Regulation in HIV/Retrovirus Infection
Official title: Nef-independent SERINC5 regulation
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11481885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant explores how SERINC5, a human protein, blocks HIV-1 infectivity and how it is regulated without the HIV Nef factor, which could inform future antiviral strategies.
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 start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $688,030 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198068-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11481885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable here; the project is preclinical and laboratory-based.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is expected in this preclinical work.
What this research studies
This project focuses on SERINC5, a cell protein that helps defend against HIV and other retroviruses by interfering with virus entry. Researchers will investigate how SERINC5 is removed from the cell surface through a mechanism that does not involve the HIV Nef protein. The study uses laboratory experiments to uncover how SERINC5 trafficking affects its ability to block virus replication. By understanding these processes, the work could guide the development of therapies that enhance natural antiviral defenses. The grant covers several years of funded work at the State University of New York at Buffalo led by Dr. Spyros Stavrou.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets to boost the body's natural defenses against HIV and related viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown SERINC5 can inhibit HIV infectivity, supporting the potential impact of this line of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
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.