How flu and coronavirus proteins form tiny ion channels
Structures and Dynamics of Proton- and Cation-Conducting Viroporins
Researchers are mapping how small pore-forming proteins in influenza and coronaviruses let charged particles pass, to help people affected by these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on small viral membrane proteins called viroporins from influenza B and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and OC43. Scientists will use solid-state NMR spectroscopy to look at protein shapes, how the parts move, and how proteins assemble into pores. They will study key amino acids (like histidine and tryptophan) and specific mutants to see how ion and proton flow is controlled. The findings aim to explain how these channels cause cell damage and point to sites where drugs might block them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had influenza B or coronavirus infections, or those willing to donate virus samples or participate in related clinical research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to influenza or coronaviruses or those seeking immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets for antiviral drugs that block these viral pores and reduce the severity of influenza and coronavirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Structural studies of influenza M2 have previously informed antiviral drug research, while targeting coronavirus E proteins is a newer approach with less clinical precedent.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Mei — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hong, Mei
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.