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Viral-immune interaction in glomerular kidney disease

Award Number: R01DK138055
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES & DIGESTIVE & KIDNEY DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2029

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Viral-immune interaction in glomerular kidney disease - HIV infection is a major contributor to the global burden of infectious diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent especially in people living with HIV (PWH). Viral exposure can alter host immunity in subtle ways, leaving an indelible footprint on the immune system. Among remarkable research obstacles, lacking a convenient and relevant animal model for virus-host dynamics study can be the most alarming one. We have recently established a novel mouse model whereby HIV envelope protein gp120 drives kidney glomerular disease in concert with a unique host immune molecule, soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR). Clinically, suPAR is associated with kidney function loss in patients with HIV infection. Mechanistically, host suPAR interacts with CD4 protein on T cells, which is essential for HIV-1 attachment via binding its viral protein gp120. Based on these intriguing new insights, we hypothesize that viral-host suPAR interplay induces renal integrin activation and plays an important role in HIV-associated kidney disease. We propose to test this hypothesis by comprehensively evaluating the implication of viral protein-suPAR-integrin triad in both mouse models (Aim 1) and virus-associated human glomerular diseases (Aim 2), utilizing state of the art tools, and unique combinations of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Additionally, we will test therapeutic modalities targeting the vicious viral protein-suPAR-integrin cycle with relevant small molecule inhibitors and antibodies (Aim 3).


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $605,451 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH AT GALVESTON	301 UNIVERSITY BLVD	GALVESTON	TX	77555	GALVESTON	USA	Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research	000	2	8/28/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$605,451
														Subtotal = $605,451

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $606,134 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH AT GALVESTON	301 UNIVERSITY BLVD	GALVESTON	TX	77555	GALVESTON	USA	Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research	000	1	4/22/2024	NEW	$606,134
														Subtotal = $606,134

Grand Total All Awards = $1,211,585

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Viral-immune interaction in glomerular kidney disease

Award Number: R01DK138055

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES & DIGESTIVE & KIDNEY DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2029

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