Understanding how HIV-1 matures and activates its protease
Official title: Imaging protease activation and maturation of single HIV-1 particles
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11085525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HIV-1 virus changes from a non-infectious form to one that can spread, focusing on a key enzyme that helps with this change, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about how this virus works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | November 18, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $617,376 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189249-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are interested in understanding the mechanisms of their virus and potential new treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not interested in experimental treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which HIV-1, a virus that causes AIDS, matures from an immature particle into an infectious form. It focuses on the activation of a viral enzyme called protease, which is crucial for this maturation. Using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers will visualize the assembly of the virus and the activation of protease at a single-particle level. By employing methods like total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and correlative light-electron microscopy, they aim to uncover the timing and mechanisms behind these processes, which are not yet fully understood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating HIV infections by targeting the maturation process of the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using imaging techniques to study viral processes, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melikian, Gregory B — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Melikian, Gregory B
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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.