Glycocalyx as a Switch That Could Block Viral Entry
Official title: Glycocalyx Remodeling as a Molecular Switch for Viral Entry
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11435570 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project explores how the sugar-coated barrier on our cells might be remodeled to prevent flu viruses from entering cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $429,586 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI200969-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435570 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participation in this grant as described.
✕Less likely to help
There is no direct patient participation described in this grant.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Knoxville are studying how the mucin-rich glycocalyx on epithelial surfaces acts as a barrier against Influenza A virus. They propose that viral neuraminidase reshapes this barrier by changing how glycans are organized, possibly exposing targets that affect infection. The work focuses on galectin proteins and how crosslinking of sugars could influence mucin thickness and membrane organization, which in turn could alter viral entry. If successful, the findings could reveal new ideas for antiviral strategies that strengthen the body's first line of defense.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This research could lead to new approaches to prevent influenza infections by reinforcing the protective glycocalyx barrier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that glycocalyx structure and galectin interactions can influence virus binding, but the specific remodeling by neuraminidase and its impact on entry is a novel angle.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shurer, Carolyn Renee — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Shurer, Carolyn Renee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Tissue fission and fusion: how cells shape organs during development
A study in zebrafish will explore how forces inside and between cells drive the splitting and joining of tissue to form body organs.
-
Strategies for HIV-to-HIV kidney transplants to increase organ donations
This project looks at making HIV-to-HIV kidney transplantation more common to help people with HIV get transplants faster by boosting organ donation and changing practice.
-
BRIDGEX: Safer, clearer AI-guided robotic surgery through shared learning
A project to let surgeons and engineers share and improve explainable AI tools for robotic surgery, while protecting patient data.
-
Optogenetic control of bacterial persistence to study biomaterial infections
A small NIH grant aims to use blue light to turn on a bacterial persistence mechanism in a lab model, helping us understand and fight infections on medical devices.
-
How fever and hot spots inside immune cells boost neutrophil defense against Staphylococcus aureus
This project studies how fever and hot spots inside immune cells affect neutrophil defense and bacterial survival, with a focus on Staphylococcus aureus.
-
Conquering Pain Together: A Family-Based Pain Support for Appalachian Breast Cancer Patients on AET
A family-centered program tests a supportive, culturally tailored approach to reduce pain for breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy in Appalachia.
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.