4D lab method to map how cell receptors bind viruses and medicines
Four-dimensional Adhesion Frequency Assay for Full Profiling of Receptor-ligand Interactions on Cells
Researchers are building a new 4D lab technique that measures how receptors on cell surfaces bind viruses like SARS‑CoV‑2 and candidate antiviral medicines to help speed better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175281 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds a new "4D" lab tool that uses tiny light-driven microrobots to move and spin single cells so researchers can watch molecules on real cell membranes as they bind to viruses or drugs. It combines translational (moving) and rotational (spinning) measurements to map where receptors are clustered on a single cell and how strongly they stick under forces similar to blood flow. Compared with older tests that use isolated proteins on surfaces, this approach measures binding in the cell's natural membrane and aims to be faster and less bulky. By giving clearer, high-resolution binding data, the method could help scientists pick better antibodies or antivirals to test next.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people willing to donate cells or tissue samples (for example blood, nasal swabs, or other specimens) so researchers can test receptor binding relevant to viral infections.
Not a fit: Patients looking for direct clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit immediately because this grant funds a lab tool rather than a therapy trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the technology could help researchers develop more effective antiviral drugs and antibodies faster by revealing how treatments interact with real cell receptors.
How similar studies have performed: Existing adhesion frequency assays have shown promise for measuring cell-surface binding, but integrating 3D translational and rotational measurements with a light-driven microrobot is a novel, unproven approach.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Yuebing — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Yuebing
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.