Understanding HIV-1 Env shapes to boost immune attack against infected cells
Official title: Exploring HIV-1 Env open conformations for therapeutic intervention
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11620068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at helping people living with HIV, this project explores how specific HIV-1 envelope structures attract or resist immune attack so future therapies could better help the body clear hidden virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | December 23, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $174,960 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI150322-07S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11620068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people living with HIV-1 (particularly those with diverse Env variants) or cell/biological samples derived from them that can inform ADCC-focused strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not able to participate would include those without access to samples or data related to HIV-1 Env ADCC features.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV-1’s envelope proteins expose targets that immune cells can recognize and kill. Researchers will examine how different Env shapes influence antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and identify structural features that make certain Envs more susceptible to immune attack. The work focuses on samples related to the CRF01_AE subtype to uncover clues for therapies that could reduce viral reservoirs and improve immune control. Results could inform design of vaccines or treatments that partner with the immune system to eradicate infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the body's ability to eliminate HIV-infected cells and potentially improve long-term disease control.
How similar studies have gone: Prior HIV vaccine studies have suggested ADCC can contribute to protection, but key questions remain about Env structure and ADCC susceptibility.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munro, James B — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Munro, James B
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.