Centers for HIV Structural Biology

The Centers for HIV Structural Biology, established in 2007, integrate a variety of techniques from structural biology, biochemistry and cell biology to capture in unprecedented detail the three-dimensional structures of HIV components bound to human cellular components, such as proteins or DNA. This information will help elucidate how the different components interact and reveal new approaches for disrupting those interactions, potentially leading to new targets for HIV therapies.

In 2019, the HIV Structural Biology Center awards were transferred from NIGMS to NIAID as a part of the consolidation of AIDS basic research projects in the Division of AIDS, NIAID.

Contact Information

David McDonald, PhD, Basic Sciences Program, NIAID

Main Areas of Focus

• Structural Biology of HIV proteins, molecular complexes, and HIV - host cell complexes including proteins, nucleic acids and pharmacologic inhibitors.
• Identification of new host cell factors involved in HIV replication and restriction
• Identification of new targets for anti-HIV drug development

Pathogenesis and Basic Research Branch, Basic Sciences Program, Division of AIDS, NIAID oversees the center awards. An advisory board consisting of extramural researchers advises NIAID on each center’s progress in conjunction with the annual June meeting in Bethesda.