Targeted gene-delivery using bacteriophage T4 capsids for HIV cure support
Official title: Engineering Bacteriophage T4 as a Targeted Gene Therapy Drug for in vivo HIV Cure
Funded at Catholic University of America · NIH-11536322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A grant to buy a modern high-speed centrifuge so researchers can reliably produce bacteriophage T4 nanoparticles that carry gene-editing tools aimed at HIV cure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Catholic University of America NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $94,756 |
| NIH project number | 3DP1DA060580-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11536322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with HIV infection who may benefit from future gene-delivery therapies and related research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients currently not involved in any gene-therapy trials or those not pursuing HIV cure strategies in the near term.
What this research studies
This project focuses on ensuring a steady supply of bacteriophage T4 capsid particles, called artificial viral vectors, to deliver DNA and gene-editing tools to hematopoietic stem cells. The funds would acquire a new centrifuge to overcome current equipment bottlenecks that threaten the project timeline and output. By enabling scalable production and purification of these vectors, the work aims to advance preclinical steps toward DNA-based therapies for HIV. The emphasis is on improving the technology infrastructure to support future therapeutic experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this infrastructure upgrade could accelerate the development of targeted gene therapies for HIV, bringing earlier and more reliable testing in preclinical stages.
How similar studies have gone: Similar efforts have shown that reliable production of viral-like delivery systems is essential for progressing gene-therapy research.
Where this research is happening
-
Catholic University of America
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Venigalla B. — Catholic University of America
- Study coordinator: Rao, Venigalla B.
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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.