Targeting HIV integrase to stop the virus from maturing
Role of HIV-1 integrase in virion morphogenesis and its targeting by allosteric integrase inhibitors
This work explores a drug approach that locks the HIV integrase enzyme so the virus can't mature, aimed at people with multi-drug-resistant HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145938 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is studying how the HIV enzyme integrase helps the virus assemble and how blocking that action makes virus particles noninfectious. They will map where integrase binds the viral RNA and test how allosteric integrase inhibitors (ALLINIs), including the clinical candidate pirmitegravir, force integrase to clump and disrupt virus formation. The work uses purified virus particles, laboratory cell models, biochemical assays, and collaborations with a drug developer to connect the lab findings to a drug that is already in Phase 2 trials. The goal is to guide better treatments for people whose HIV no longer responds to standard drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with HIV whose virus is resistant to multiple approved antiretroviral drugs and who may consider new therapeutic options.
Not a fit: People whose HIV is well controlled on standard antiretroviral therapy or who do not have drug-resistant virus are less likely to benefit directly from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new class of HIV drugs that work against viruses resistant to current treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and early clinical work on ALLINIs has shown promise, and the lead compound pirmitegravir has advanced into Phase 2 clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kvaratskhelia, Mamuka — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kvaratskhelia, Mamuka
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.