Understanding how HIV-1 assembles and how a new drug targets it
Official title: Structural interrogation of the HIV-1 virion and the mechanism of the capsid targeting compound Lenacapavir
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11195813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HIV-1 virus puts itself together and grows, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how a new antiviral medicine called Lenacapavir works to fight the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 12, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,693 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI189254-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who may benefit from new antiviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those who have already exhausted all available antiviral options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the structural details of HIV-1, focusing on how the virus assembles and matures. By using advanced imaging techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, researchers will analyze the viral protein structures involved in the infection process. The goal is to understand how a specific antiviral compound, Lenacapavir, interacts with the virus's capsid, which is crucial for its ability to infect cells. This knowledge could lead to the development of more effective antiviral therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved antiviral treatments for HIV-1, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting viral structures to develop effective antiviral therapies, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dick, Robert a — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Dick, Robert a
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.