Understanding How HIV Weakens Immune Cells
Elucidating the Structural Bases of HIV-1-Induced CD4 Degradation
This research aims to find new ways to fight HIV by stopping the virus from destroying important immune cells called CD4 cells.
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 ID | NIH-11113864 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current HIV treatments are effective but must be taken for life, which can lead to side effects and drug resistance. This project explores a new strategy to combat HIV by focusing on the CD4 receptor, a key part of our immune cells. HIV actively works to remove CD4 from infected cells, which helps the virus multiply and hide from the immune system. By understanding exactly how HIV does this, we hope to find ways to restore CD4 levels and boost the body's natural defenses against the virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with HIV who currently rely on lifelong antiretroviral therapy could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV infection would not directly benefit from this research, as it focuses specifically on HIV-related mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new types of medications that better control or even eliminate HIV infection, potentially reducing the need for lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While current treatments do not directly target CD4 degradation in this specific way, the concept of restoring CD4's antiviral power is a promising, though less explored, approach.
Where this research is happening
Tallahassee, United States
- 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 below.