How cytomegalovirus builds and multiplies inside human cells
Structural basis of human cytomegalovirus replication within host cells
Looking at the virus's structure and life cycle in human cells to help protect babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228361 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use ultra-high-resolution imaging (cryo-electron microscopy and tomography) to map the parts of human cytomegalovirus and how they interact during infection. They combine these structures with targeted genetic changes in the virus to find weaker, live-attenuated versions that could form the basis of vaccines. The team has already reported detailed viral architectures and identified candidate attenuated mutants using structure-guided changes. Work is done in laboratory settings and may include experiments with virus samples, engineered viral strains, and preclinical models toward eventual human applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are those at high risk from CMV, such as infants with congenital infection, people living with HIV/AIDS, and organ transplant recipients.
Not a fit: Healthy adults with normal immune systems are unlikely to get direct benefit because CMV is usually harmless for them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable safer vaccines or new antiviral strategies to prevent CMV disease in newborns and people with compromised immune systems.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution structural work has advanced rapidly and the team has already produced candidate attenuated viruses, but no widely used CMV vaccine exists yet.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Z Hong — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Z Hong
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.