Understanding how HIV-1 moves inside cells during early infection
Official title: The Role of FEZ Protein Homologs in Early HIV-1 Infection
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11096170 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HIV virus moves inside cells to reach the nucleus, focusing on a special protein called FEZ1 that helps with this process, which could help us find new ways to treat HIV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | November 13, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $714,754 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189411-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096170 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV-1 or are at high risk of HIV-1 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those with advanced HIV disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HIV-1 viral cores navigate through the cytoplasm to reach the nucleus after entering a host cell. It focuses on the role of specific proteins, particularly the FEZ1 protein, in facilitating this transport along microtubules. By employing genetic and biochemical techniques alongside live cell imaging, the study aims to uncover how HIV-1 manipulates host cellular machinery to enhance its infection process. This could lead to new insights into the early stages of HIV-1 infection and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antiviral strategies that disrupt HIV-1's ability to infect cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding viral transport mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naghavi, Mojgan Hosseini — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Naghavi, Mojgan Hosseini
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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.