CMV proteins that help the virus form its outer envelope
Tegument Envelope Protein Interactions in CMV Envelopment
Researchers are identifying how specific CMV proteins work together to build the virus’s outer envelope to help people at risk from CMV, like babies infected before birth and people with weak immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222683 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks inside infected cells to see how CMV proteins interact to assemble the virus’s outer shell. Scientists will use lab-modified viruses with precise changes in envelope and tegument proteins to find which interactions are required for making infectious particles. The work uses cell cultures, microscopy, and biochemical tests rather than enrolling patients. Although this project does not recruit people, its goal is to reveal weak spots in the virus that could be targeted by future vaccines or safer antiviral drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most connected to this work are infants with congenital CMV, pregnant people exposed to CMV, and immunocompromised patients who suffer severe CMV disease, though this specific project is laboratory-based and does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for active CMV disease or those without CMV exposure are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-only project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets for safer antivirals or vaccine components that reduce CMV infection and its complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous basic research on herpesviruses has mapped protein interactions during assembly, but translating these findings into approved vaccines or drugs for CMV remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Britt, William Jarvis — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Britt, William Jarvis
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.