Understanding HIV in a New Animal Model
Characterizing Host-Virus Interactions in a New HIV Model Organism
This work explores how HIV interacts with a new animal model to help us find better ways to fight the virus in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146403 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For decades, finding a cure or vaccine for HIV has been challenging, partly because current animal models don't fully show how the virus behaves in humans. This project introduces a new animal model that could better mimic human HIV infection. Researchers will create and test new HIV strains in this model, observing how the virus binds to host cells and avoids the body's defenses. The goal is to develop more effective tools for future HIV vaccine and cure development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with HIV/AIDS or those at risk of infection in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a more accurate way to test new HIV vaccines and treatments, potentially speeding up the discovery of cures and preventative measures for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While macaques have been used as an HIV model for decades, this project proposes a novel animal model to overcome known limitations of existing models.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sawyer, Sara — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Sawyer, Sara
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.