NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how HIV proteins are processed for virus maturation

Official title: Dynamics and Evolution of HIV Gag and GagPol processing

Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11118329 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the HIV-1 virus grows and gets ready to infect cells by understanding how certain proteins work together, and the findings could help develop new treatments for people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project startAugust 6, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$752,745
NIH project number1R56AI179730-01A1
Project IDNIH-11118329 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are seeking new treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the maturation process of the HIV-1 virus, focusing on how the viral protease activates and processes specific proteins called Gag and GagPol. By using advanced molecular dynamics simulations, the study aims to uncover the timing and order of these proteolytic events, which are crucial for the virus's ability to mature and infect cells. The research will also explore the structural features of these proteins and how they interact with each other during this process. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting HIV maturation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that inhibit HIV maturation, potentially improving outcomes for patients living with HIV.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting viral maturation processes, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in HIV treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
    Worcester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Munro, James B — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
  • Study coordinator: Munro, James B

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.