How human astroviruses bind to and enter human cells
Structural and functional definition of human astrovirus-receptor interactions
This project looks at which human proteins common childhood stomach viruses use to grab onto and get inside human cells so we can find new ways to prevent or treat infections.
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 ID | NIH-11258418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use powerful gene-editing screens (CRISPR) to switch off or boost individual human proteins and watch which changes let astrovirus infect cells. They confirmed two human proteins, FcRn and DPP4, help the virus attach and infect human cell lines and measured direct physical binding between the virus and those proteins. The team will map the detailed structures and functions of these virus–receptor interactions to reveal exactly how the virus gains entry. Those findings are meant to help create small animal models and point to targets for new antiviral drugs or preventive approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by astrovirus infections—especially infants, young children, and immunocompromised patients—would be most relevant to future clinical work stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated causes of gastroenteritis or who are not at risk for astrovirus infection may not see direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets for antivirals or vaccines and enable animal models to test new treatments for astrovirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Similar receptor-identification approaches have helped researchers understand other viruses, and preliminary data already show FcRn and DPP4 interact with astrovirus, though the detailed structural work is new.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baldridge, Megan T — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Baldridge, Megan T
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.