The role of Vif in enhancing HIV replication and effecting the integrity of the replication complexes of HIV [ 2004 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Jillian Carr (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Peng Li ,  E/Pr Christopher Burrell

Brief description HIV-AIDS is still one of the leading causes of infectious human fatality worldwide. The genome of HIV encodes six viral accessory proteins that are necessary for viral replication and infection. One of these genes, viral infectivity factor (vif), is essential for production of infectious virus. Exactly how this viral protein works within the cell is not clear at present. Current literature suggests that Vif acts in some way to enhance reverse transcription, one of the early stages of the viral life cycle. We aim to investigate the action of Vif in stabilizing early HIV reverse transcription complexes to understand how it acts to enhance HIV replication and viral infection. The early stages of HIV replication are critical for establishing infection and hence ideal targets for therapeutic intervention. This research will help understand how Vif works in a cell and affects the infectivity of HIV viral particles and may be suggestive of potential targets for development of anti-viral drugs.

Funding Amount $AUD 260,200.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant