How changes in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 affect its transmission
Official title: Transmission of CoV-2 and the Impact of Spike Protein Evolution
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10874383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different versions of the COVID-19 virus spread from one person to another, using hamsters to see how well the virus can infect them and how their immune systems respond, which could help us understand why the virus keeps changing even with vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $566,583 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI169022-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or are at risk of infection, including those with varying immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of COVID-19 infection or have already been vaccinated may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, particularly changes in its spike protein, influence the virus's ability to spread among individuals. By using a hamster model, the study aims to quantify the number of virus particles that can successfully infect a host and how the immune responses of both the donor and recipient affect this process. The research will also explore the role of innate immunity in the transmission of the virus, providing insights into how the virus evolves and spreads despite vaccination efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for controlling the transmission of COVID-19 and its variants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral transmission dynamics, but this specific approach using barcoded viruses in a hamster model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
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.