How changes in the coronavirus spike protein affect how the virus spreads
Transmission of CoV-2 and the Impact of Spike Protein Evolution
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11099938
This work looks at how changes in the coronavirus spike protein change how easily SARS‑CoV‑2 spreads, to help protect people from COVID‑19.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11099938 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use specially tagged SARS‑CoV‑2 viruses and an airborne transmission model in Syrian hamsters to count how many virus particles establish new infections (the transmission bottleneck). They will compare viruses carrying different spike protein mutations seen in human variants to see whether those changes alter transmission. The team will use genetically modified hamsters lacking type I or III interferon responses to measure how donor and recipient innate immunity affects virus movement to the upper and lower respiratory tract. Results aim to clarify how immune status and spike evolution influence the chance of infection and the virus's ability to evolve.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at high risk of SARS‑CoV‑2 exposure and those concerned about how new variants affect transmission are the most relevant groups for this research.
Not a fit: Patients with health problems unrelated to respiratory viruses or COVID‑19 are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-based animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help public health experts and vaccine makers design better ways to prevent spread of new SARS‑CoV‑2 variants.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have used barcoded viruses and animal transmission models successfully to measure transmission bottlenecks, but applying these tools to current SARS‑CoV‑2 variants and interferon‑deficient hamsters is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOON, ADRIANUS CM — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BOON, ADRIANUS CM
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.