How alphaviruses attach to human brain cells
Structural and functional studies of alphavirus receptors
Researchers are identifying which proteins on brain and other cells alphaviruses use to enter cells, to help people at risk of severe brain infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250032 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This laboratory project aims to pinpoint the specific cell-surface proteins that alphaviruses use to bind and enter cells, especially in the brain. Researchers use biochemical assays, cell-based experiments, and structural methods to map how the virus and receptor interact. The team has already identified receptors for eastern equine encephalitis virus and is working to find receptors for other related alphaviruses. Understanding these interactions is intended to guide the design of molecules or antibodies that could block infection and inform future treatments or vaccines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are at high risk for alphavirus exposure (for example in regions with eastern, western, or Venezuelan equine encephalitis outbreaks) or who can donate blood or tissue samples for research would be the best candidates to engage.
Not a fit: People without alphavirus exposure risk or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to drugs or antibodies that block virus entry and help prevent or lessen severe alphavirus brain infections.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies have identified receptors for certain alphaviruses, including this team’s discovery of VLDLR and ApoER2 for eastern equine encephalitis virus, but receptor identification for many alphaviruses is still novel and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Jonathan — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Jonathan
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.