Understanding how mutations in a virus affect its behavior in animal models
Official title: Determining the Functional Significance of Mutations Observed in Envelope Protein Following Serial In Vivo Passaging of Human-Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-10897301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a specific virus protein affect how well the Human-Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (HSIV) can infect and grow in pigtail macaques, which helps researchers learn more about HIV and could lead to better treatments and vaccines for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $99,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI174973-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living with HIV/AIDS or those at high risk of infection who may benefit from advancements in treatment and prevention strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who do not have a risk of exposure to the virus may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mutations in the envelope protein of the Human-Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (HSIV) influence its ability to infect and replicate in animal models, specifically pigtail macaques. By performing serial in vivo passaging, the study aims to enhance the virus's infectivity and replicative capacity, which could provide insights into HIV pathogenesis and the development of effective vaccines. The research utilizes advanced animal models to mimic human HIV infection more closely, potentially leading to better understanding and treatment strategies for AIDS. Patients may benefit indirectly from this research as it could lead to breakthroughs in HIV treatment and prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of HIV infection and the development of more effective vaccines and treatments for AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar animal models has shown promise in understanding HIV pathogenesis and developing effective treatments, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thippeshappa, Rajesh — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Thippeshappa, Rajesh
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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.