Designing tiny protein drugs that block viruses from entering cells
Computational design and development of small protein inhibitors
Researchers are making tiny, stable proteins that can block viruses such as SARS‑CoV‑2 and RSV from entering cells to help treat people with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262208 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses computer design to create miniproteins that stick to viral fusion machinery and stop viruses from merging with your cells. Promising candidates will be tested first in lab-grown cells and then the most effective versions will be studied in animal models to check safety, dose, timing, and delivery methods. The team is targeting several viruses (COVID‑19, RSV, Nipah, and MERS) and will also look at ways to link the miniproteins to helpers that concentrate them where needed and whether they trigger immune responses. The work combines computational design, laboratory testing, and animal studies as steps toward treatments people could join in future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People infected with or at high risk for viruses like SARS‑CoV‑2, RSV, MERS, or Nipah could be candidates for future clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the targeted viruses or those needing immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new kind of antiviral treatment that prevents viruses from entering cells and reduces severe illness.
How similar studies have performed: Related computationally designed miniproteins have neutralized SARS‑CoV‑2 in lab tests and some showed protection in animals, but applying this approach broadly to multiple viruses is still new.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strauch, Eva-Maria — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Strauch, Eva-Maria
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.