How changes in the coronavirus spike protein affect its ability to enter human cells
Official title: Impacts of Adaptive Coronavirus Evolution on Viral Membrane Fusion
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-10929470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called the spike protein affect its ability to enter human cells, which could help us understand why some variants are better at causing infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178391-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of COVID-19 infection, particularly those with underlying health conditions that may exacerbate the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or those who have already recovered from the virus may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the evolving spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, particularly its S2 domain, impacts the virus's ability to fuse with human cell membranes. By examining various mutations in the spike protein, the study aims to understand how these changes influence the virus's entry into cells. The research employs advanced assay systems, including virus-like particles, to analyze the dynamics of the spike protein during the fusion process. This could provide insights into how new variants of the virus become more effective at infecting human cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating COVID-19 by targeting the mechanisms that allow the virus to enter human cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral entry mechanisms, making this approach promising for further advancements in COVID-19 treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallagher, Thomas Miller — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gallagher, Thomas Miller
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Identifying key cells and genes in children with MODS on ECMO
A high-tech study using single-cell analyses to find the important cells and genes that drive organ failure in critically ill children on ECMO support.
-
Preventing childhood B-ALL through maternal diet and TVA intake
A study at Loyola University Chicago will explore whether a mother’s intake of TVA during pregnancy can help prevent childhood B-ALL in babies.
-
Prenyltransferase inhibitor as a new therapy for inflammatory neuropathy
A new drug candidate called FGTI-2734 is being studied to calm nerve inflammation in conditions like AIDP/Guillain-Barré syndrome, with the goal of protecting nerves and reducing symptoms.
-
Leading causes of death in alcoholic ARDS patients using clinical data
This project uses big clinical data and AI to find the main factors that cause death in adults with ARDS who have alcohol use issues, aiming to improve understanding and care.
-
Affinity maturation in lung immune tissues in autoimmune disease
Aims to understand how immune cells in the lungs of people with autoimmune or allergic conditions refine their antibodies right where exposure happens.
-
Understanding how secreted messengers cause systemic inflammation in humans
A small NIH grant will study which secreted proteins drive systemic inflammation in living bodies, with a focus on conditions like sepsis and autoimmune diseases.
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.