Interplay between HIV and amyloids in human aging (C01)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Biogerontology and Geriatric Medicine ; Virology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450627322

We found that amyloids associated with age-associated neurological disorders promote HIV infection and may be cross-seeded by HIV Env-derived fibrils. This suggests a harmful circuit at the virus-host interface: amyloids boost HIV infection; increased virus production enhances amyloid formation and both accelerate neurodegeneration. In the proposed project, we want to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the relevance of the interplay between HIV, amyloids, and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1506: Aging at Interfaces
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Frank Kirchhoff