Understanding how the body's natural defenses detect HIV-1 and affect immune cells
Determinants of HIV-1 innate immune sensing and its role in shaping the lymphoid environment.
This project explores how our body's natural defenses recognize HIV-1 and why these defenses sometimes fail to stop the virus from spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126887 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand the early stages of HIV-1 infection, particularly how the virus manages to get past the body's first line of defense. Researchers are focusing on how a specific protein called PQBP1 helps the immune system's cGAS sensor detect HIV-1 DNA. They believe PQBP1 acts like a "bait and switch" mechanism, guiding cGAS to the virus's genetic material as it becomes exposed. By learning more about these interactions, we hope to uncover why some HIV-1 variants are better at evading our immune system. This knowledge could lead to new ways to prevent or treat HIV-1 infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals at risk for or living with HIV-1 in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing HIV-1 transmission or developing new antiviral therapies by boosting the body's natural immune response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified key innate immune sensors and restriction factors involved in HIV-1 defense, and this project builds upon that existing knowledge by focusing on specific mechanisms like cGAS and PQBP1.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoh, Sunnie — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Yoh, Sunnie
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.