Award
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 5R01AI145687-07
Structural definition of CD4-induced HIV-1 Env conformational changes required for infection
Recipient
Duke University
Award Amount
$791,914.00
Ceiling
$791,914.00
Awarded
July 27, 2026
Identifier
5R01AI145687-07
Research grant awarded to Duke University to study HIV-1 Env conformational changes critical for infection, supporting vaccine and therapeutic development.
Description
This grant aims to investigate the stepwise conformational changes of the HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein during receptor-mediated entry into host cells. The focus includes early Env opening, intermediate states where the fusion peptide (FP) retains antibody binding ability despite Env opening, and later stages where FP is buried within a hydrophobic core. These studies will enhance understanding of HIV-1 entry mechanisms and inform vaccine and drug design.