Understanding how HIV-1 evolves to infect macrophages
Official title: Biology and Molecular Biology of the Evolution of Macrophage-Tropic HIV-1
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10882245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of HIV can infect immune cells in the brain, especially when there aren't many helper T cells around, to help us understand how this virus can cause problems like HIV-related dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $382,192 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI172630-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10882245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who exhibit symptoms related to macrophage infection or HIV-associated dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those with early-stage HIV without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biology and evolution of macrophage-tropic HIV-1, which is a form of the virus that can infect immune cells called macrophages. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow HIV-1 to adapt and use low levels of CD4 for entry into these cells, particularly in the central nervous system where CD4+ T cells are scarce. By mapping genetic factors associated with this macrophage tropism, the research seeks to provide insights into how HIV-1 can establish infections in the brain, potentially leading to conditions like HIV-associated dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for HIV infections, particularly those affecting the brain.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been attempts to understand HIV-1's interaction with macrophages, this specific focus on macrophage tropism and its evolutionary mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swanstrom, Ronald I — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Swanstrom, Ronald I
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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.