Understanding how HIV-1 matures to become infectious
Official title: Determining the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 maturation
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11406177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how HIV-1 particles transform during maturation to become capable of infecting cells, using advanced computer simulations to uncover the steps involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $563,977 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178846-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to individual patients in this grant; focuses on molecular mechanisms using computational models and prior knowledge of human HIV-1 biology.
✕Less likely to help
There is no direct patient participation in this computational/biophysical study.
What this research studies
This project uses a combination of advanced computer simulations to model HIV-1 maturation, linking how the Gag polyprotein is cut and rearranges with changes in the viral membrane and capsid. By integrating coarse-grained and atomistic methods, researchers aim to reveal the motion and structural changes that drive maturation. The findings could point to new ways to block maturation and prevent infection. The work is based at the University of Delaware with collaboration across disciplines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets to disrupt HIV-1 maturation and reduce infectivity, guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior structural studies have advanced understanding of HIV-1 maturation; this project advances by integrating dynamic simulations, which is a promising but complex next step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perilla Jimenez, Juan Roberto — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Perilla Jimenez, Juan Roberto
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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.