HIV

Modulation of HIV infectivity by SERPINB8 (FURINHIB)

01/04/2022 to 31/03/2023

Modulation of HIV infectivity by SERPINB8 (FURINHIB) The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) uses the serine protease furin to activate its envelope protein (Env), which mediates entry of the virus into new target cells. Without this proteolytic maturation step, newly formed HIV particles are not infectious. Within this project, we investigate whether the endogenous furin inhibitor Serpin Family B Member 8 (SERPINB8) impairs the maturation of HIV Env, thereby reducing virion infectivity and spread. The project has the potential to identify a novel, broadly active mechanism of antiviral immunity, since numerous viruses use furin to activate their envelope proteins.