Small cyclic peptide drugs to block HIV's Nef protein and help clear hidden virus
Developing Cyclopeptide Nef Inhibitors to Facilitate HIV-1 Eradication
Researchers are developing small cyclic peptide drugs to block HIV's Nef protein so immune cells could find and kill hidden virus in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people on antiretroviral therapy still have hidden HIV that the immune system cannot find. This project focuses on a viral protein called Nef that helps infected cells hide by lowering important immune markers on the cell surface. Scientists are designing and testing cyclopeptide molecules that bind Nef and stop it from hiding infected cells, using structural studies and laboratory models to guide drug design. If promising, these compounds would move from lab tests toward studies that could involve people in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical testing would be adults living with HIV who are on suppressive antiretroviral therapy and are interested in cure-focused treatments.
Not a fit: People without HIV and those expecting immediate personal benefit should know this is preclinical work and is unlikely to help them directly right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could help the immune system reveal and destroy cells harboring hidden HIV, moving the field closer to a lasting cure.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting Nef is a promising but largely preclinical approach with some laboratory evidence that blocking Nef can restore immune killing, though no proven clinical cures exist yet.
Where this research is happening
Tallahassee, United States
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Xiaofei — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Jia, Xiaofei
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.