Understanding how HIV-1 enters cells and evades the immune system
Official title: Probing real-time conformational dynamics and allosteric cooperativity of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein during virus entry
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler · NIH-10993644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a key part of the HIV virus changes shape when it tries to enter human cells, which could help us understand how the virus avoids the immune system and lead to better treatments for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tyler, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $421,684 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181600-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those who have already exhausted all available treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, which is crucial for the virus's ability to enter human cells. By examining how this protein changes shape during the entry process, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that allow HIV-1 to evade the immune response. The study employs advanced techniques to capture real-time changes in the protein's structure, which could lead to the development of more effective antiviral therapies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to better target HIV-1 with treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved antiviral therapies that more effectively target HIV-1 and enhance immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding viral entry mechanisms, but this approach is innovative and aims to fill significant knowledge gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler
Tyler, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Maolin — University of Texas Hlth Ctr at Tyler
- Study coordinator: Lu, Maolin
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.