Understanding how HIV-like viruses grow in different animals to improve models for HIV infection
Determinants of retroviral replication in non-native hosts for modeling HIV infection
This project aims to create better animal models for HIV vaccine and prevention research by improving how HIV-like viruses grow in macaques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138759 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
HIV does not naturally infect macaques, so researchers use modified viruses called SHIVs to mimic HIV infection in these animals. These SHIV models are crucial for testing new vaccines and prevention methods because they carry the HIV-1 Envelope protein, which is the main target for protective antibodies. Currently, many SHIV models use older, lab-adapted versions of HIV, which don't accurately reflect the real-world viruses that people encounter. This project seeks to overcome the challenges of using more realistic, circulating HIV variants in SHIVs, which often don't grow well in macaques. By understanding what makes these viruses replicate better, the goal is to develop more effective and predictive animal models for future HIV interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve human patients, but it aims to benefit individuals at risk of or living with HIV by improving future vaccine development.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate animal models for HIV, speeding up the development of effective vaccines and prevention strategies for humans.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of SHIV/macaque models is established, developing models with circulating HIV variants that replicate robustly is a known challenge, making this approach a novel effort to overcome existing limitations.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Amit — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Amit
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 below.