How changes in the coronavirus spike affect its shape and behavior
Effect of natural and engineered variations on structure and biophysics of SARS-CoV-2 spike
This project looks at how natural and lab-made changes to the coronavirus spike protein change the virus and could affect vaccines and treatments for people with COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285145 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be learning about lab work that uses high-resolution protein imaging, biochemical tests, and computer models to see how spike changes alter the virus's shape, antibody binding, and behavior. The team compares real-world variants (for example Delta and Beta) and engineered mutations to map which changes make the virus more infectious or help it escape antibodies. The goal is to predict where the virus might head next and to give vaccine and drug developers better information to protect you.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people able to donate blood or nasal samples after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination for antibody and virus analysis.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct, short-term medical benefit are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory-focused research informing future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help developers update vaccines and design treatments that remain effective against new SARS-CoV-2 variants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural and biochemical studies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike have successfully identified key features that guided vaccine design and explained variant effects, so this builds on proven approaches.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acharya, Priyamvada — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Acharya, Priyamvada
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.