2024

What is the title of your project and what is it focused on?

My project, "A Systems-to-Structure Exploration of HIV-Host Protein Interactions in CD4 T Cells," is focused on examining protein-protein interactions within subcellular compartments of CD4 T cells during HIV infection. The goal is to uncover molecular mechanisms of viral invasion by studying endogenous protein interactions without cellular manipulation, providing insights for therapeutic development.

How does your project align with the Center’s objectives?

My project aligns with the Center’s objectives by investigating how HIV manipulates host protein interactions within primary immune cells to promote viral replication and immune evasion. This supports the Center’s mission to uncover vital molecular mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis, essential for therapeutic advancements. 

What is the most inspiring aspect about your project/research focus?

The most inspiring aspect of my research is the ability to explore human-human and HIV-host protein interactions during infection in their native environment within primary immune cells without cellular manipulation. This approach enables us to capture the authentic molecular dynamics of these interactions, providing crucial insights into how HIV operates within the host. By investigating these natural processes, the research has the potential to advance our understanding of HIV/AIDS significantly and inform the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.

What are your thoughts on the importance of continuing to build our understanding of HIV-host protein complexes and expanding therapeutic targets and treatment modalities for HIV/AIDS?

Understanding HIV-host protein complexes, particularly the endogenous dynamics within primary CD4 T cells, is crucial for future therapeutic development. By studying how these interactions shift across cellular compartments during infection, we gain insights into the mechanisms HIV uses for replication and immune evasion. This knowledge helps identify new therapeutic targets, which is crucial for addressing treatment limitations like drug resistance. In the long term, these discoveries pave the way for designing more precise and effective treatments, potentially moving closer to a functional cure for HIV/AIDS.