Understanding how HIV-1 avoids the body's antiviral defenses
Official title: Elucidating Novel Mechanism of HIV-1 Evading APOBEC3G Antiviral Function Through Selective Viral RNA Packaging
Funded at Meharry Medical College · NIH-11189975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HIV-1 virus manages to dodge a protein that helps fight it off, and by understanding this, the researchers hope to find new ways to create better treatments for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Meharry Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $400,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI191964-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11189975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who are experiencing challenges with current antiretroviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those who are not currently undergoing antiretroviral treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the HIV-1 virus evades the antiviral effects of a protein called APOBEC3G, which normally helps to inhibit the virus's replication. The researchers will analyze the genetic material of the virus to see how it selectively packages its RNA to avoid mutations that would trigger the body's immune response. By comparing mutation profiles in infected cells and the released virus, they aim to uncover new strategies for developing more effective treatments against HIV-1. This work could lead to innovative therapies that target these novel mechanisms of viral evasion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral therapies that are more effective against HIV-1, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being investigated are novel, previous research has shown success in targeting viral evasion strategies, indicating potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Bindong — Meharry Medical College
- Study coordinator: Liu, Bindong
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.