How Ebola and Marburg viruses interact with human cells
Molecular Mechanisms of Filoviral-host Interactions
Researchers are learning how Ebola and Marburg viruses interact with human cells to help develop treatments that could work against multiple filoviruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090519 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team at Washington University is mapping the molecular interactions that let Ebola and Marburg viruses infect and harm human cells. They use biochemical and structural methods, CRISPR tools, antibody work, and high-containment lab experiments to identify key host and viral factors. The goal is to find both virus-specific and pan‑filoviral targets that could guide new drugs or antibody therapies. Most activities are lab-based using virus samples and cell models rather than enrolling patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is primarily laboratory-focused and does not enroll patients, though survivors or blood donors could potentially be asked to provide samples in related studies.
Not a fit: People needing immediate treatment for Ebola or Marburg would not receive direct or immediate clinical benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new medicines or antibody treatments that protect people from multiple filoviruses.
How similar studies have performed: Vaccines and antibody therapies have shown benefit against some Ebola strains, but broad treatments that work across all filoviruses remain largely unproven and this work builds on those advances.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amarasinghe, Gaya K. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Amarasinghe, Gaya K.
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.