Understanding how sugars on the HIV virus affect its ability to evade the immune system
Defining the impact of glycan-microdomains of the HIV-1 Env glycan shield
This study is looking at how certain sugar molecules on the surface of the HIV-1 virus help it hide from our immune system, and it aims to find out how these sugars could lead to better treatments and vaccines for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056735 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sugar molecules, known as N-glycans, on the surface of the HIV-1 virus and how they help the virus evade the immune system. By analyzing different variants of the virus, the researchers aim to define specific structural units of these sugars, referred to as glycan-microdomains, that contribute to the virus's protective 'glycan shield'. The study employs bioinformatics and experimental methods to explore the interactions between these sugars and immune responses, which could lead to new insights into HIV treatment and vaccine development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV-1 or those at high risk of infection who are interested in contributing to advancements in HIV treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who do not have a high risk of exposure to the virus may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for developing vaccines and treatments for HIV by targeting the virus's glycan shield.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of glycan structures in viral evasion, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Renfrow, Matthew B — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Renfrow, Matthew B
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.