High-throughput screening of small molecules to block coronavirus protease activation
Official title: High-throughput Screening and Characterization of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of N-Terminal Autoproteolysis of Coronavirus Main Protease Precursors
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11433845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new project at Colorado State University will screen small molecules to stop coronavirus protease precursors from activating, with the aim of creating new antiviral options for people affected by coronaviruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,036,679 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201768-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11433845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable at this stage; the project is preclinical and involves cell-based assays and molecular studies.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or immediate clinical benefit is expected during the grant period.
What this research studies
This project uses a cell-based high-throughput screening approach to identify compounds that specifically block autoproteolysis of coronavirus main protease precursors, a step crucial for viral replication. The team will compare precursor forms to mature enzymes to find inhibitors that target the precursor state. By validating hits in relevant cell systems, the work seeks compounds that could limit viral spread while potentially overcoming resistance seen with mature-protease inhibitors. The grant supports developing a platform that could be used to discover broad-spectrum antivirals against coronaviruses and related viruses. Outcomes may inform future preclinical testing and drug development efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new antiviral candidates that prevent coronavirus replication by targeting early protease processing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on HIV protease precursors showed that precursor-targeting inhibitors can be potent, supporting the viability of this approach for coronaviruses.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chaoping — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chaoping
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.