Emerging mechanisms of how coronaviruses interact with host cells to fight infection
Official title: Emerging mechanisms of viral gene regulation from battles between host and SARS-CoV-2
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11384445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses work with our bodies to spread and how to block them with new antiviral drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $478,761 |
| NIH project number | 5DP2AI177906-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients or samples affected by 2019-nCoV/related coronaviruses or individuals affected by viral infections where new antivirals could be beneficial.
✕Less likely to help
If you do not have a coronavirus infection or do not contribute samples, you would not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project at Johns Hopkins University aims to uncover the key ways the virus and human cells interact, focusing on parts of the viral genome and how they affect replication. By mapping these virus-host interactions, researchers hope to identify new targets for antiviral therapies that could stay effective even as the virus changes. The work involves detailed molecular studies that could inform the development of treatments for current and future coronaviruses. If successful, the findings could guide safer and more effective medicines for patients who contract these viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new antiviral treatments that work against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that understanding virus-host interactions can reveal novel drug targets, though this specific mechanism-focused approach is innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Chang — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Chang
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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.