Grant Program: Postdoctoral Grant

Over 7,600 people in Wisconsin and 39 million worldwide are currently living with HIV human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite progress in treatment and prevention, there is still a serious need for an HIV vaccine. One promising approach involves targeting the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env), which enables the virus to bind to and infect host cells. This research used a closely related virus in a nonhuman primate model called SIVmac to better understand how the cytoplasmic tail (CT) of Env protein influences immune recognition and viral survival. Using antibody binding experiments and protein-tagging techniques, the research team identified molecular features of the virus that could be targeted by future vaccines and therapies.