How mixed outer layers on Dengue virus particles affect infection and antibody protection
Partial maturation in mosquito-borne flaviviruses: developing new approaches to characterize the role of lattice heterogeneity in fusion, infectivity, and antibody neutralization
This project looks at how differences in the surface of Dengue virus particles change how the virus enters cells and how antibodies can block it, which could help people at risk for Dengue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261149 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on Dengue virus particles that are only partly mature and have a mosaic mix of surface protein arrangements. The research team will use high-resolution structural imaging and lab experiments to see how those mixed surfaces affect the virus's ability to fuse with cells and start infection. They will also run antibody-binding and neutralization tests to compare how different surface patterns expose or hide antibody targets. The results could inform better vaccine and antibody designs to improve protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is lab-based research, people who have had recent Dengue infection or who can donate blood samples for virus or antibody analysis would be the most relevant participants for any sample-collection work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new therapies for active dengue infection are unlikely to receive direct benefit because this project is focused on basic lab research rather than clinical treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could guide improved dengue vaccines or antibody treatments by revealing which viral surface patterns let the virus evade immune defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural studies of flaviviruses have identified key maturation and antibody-binding features, but the functional consequences of mosaic lattices are a relatively new and less-explored question.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metskas, Lauren Ann — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Metskas, Lauren Ann
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.