How hepatitis B virus shells form and can be engineered to carry medicines
Multimode Observation of Virus Capsid Assembly
['FUNDING_R01'] · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11131288
Scientists are learning how the shell of the hepatitis B virus forms so it can be programmed to carry, display, or release medicines for people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131288 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at the protein shell (capsid) of hepatitis B virus using purified proteins and detailed structural and single-molecule methods. Researchers are using what they learned about assembly and disassembly to design virus-like particles that can package cargo inside or display it on the surface. They developed ways to target cargo to the capsid with a small molecule, make capsids with controlled openings (“holey” capsids), and re-seal them to hold or release contents. The goal is to create programmable particles for delivery, diagnostics, or to inform new antiviral approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with interest in hepatitis B research—such as individuals with chronic hepatitis B or people willing to donate blood samples for lab studies related to HBV capsids.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment should note this is basic and preclinical research and is unlikely to provide direct therapeutic benefit to participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new antiviral strategies and programmable delivery platforms that package and release drugs, vaccines, or diagnostic agents more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Related work on capsid-targeting antivirals and virus-like particles for vaccines has shown promise, but the specific programmable packaging and reversible 'holey' capsid approaches are novel and experimental.
Where this research is happening
BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES
- TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY — BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZLOTNICK, ADAM — TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZLOTNICK, ADAM
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.