Understanding how HIV reduces CD4 levels in the body
Official title: Elucidating the Structural Bases of HIV-1-Induced CD4 Degradation
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11259054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV lowers important immune cells called CD4, and it’s exploring ways to boost these cells back up, which could lead to new treatments that help people living with HIV better fight the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $467,559 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI176897-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy but may be experiencing challenges such as drug resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression and are not seeking further treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HIV reduces the levels of CD4, a crucial receptor that helps the immune system fight the virus. The study focuses on two viral proteins, Nef and Vpu, which are responsible for the degradation of CD4 in infected cells. By exploring these processes, the research aims to develop new therapies that could restore CD4 levels and enhance the immune response against HIV. Patients may benefit from potential new treatments that could improve their ability to control or eliminate the virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that better control or even eliminate HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on HIV therapies, this specific approach to restoring CD4 levels through targeting viral mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Xiaofei — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Jia, Xiaofei
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.