How RSV copies its genetic material
Structure and Regulation of The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Polymerase
Scientists are mapping how the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) builds and controls the protein that copies its genome so new medicines can better stop infections in babies and young children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195649 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at the central viral protein that copies RSV's RNA and the helper proteins that control it. Scientists will make the viral proteins in the lab, use biochemical tests to see how they work, and determine their 3D shapes with high-resolution imaging tools. By seeing exactly how the parts fit and switch activities, researchers aim to find spots where drugs could block the virus. The work is done in laboratory settings rather than by treating patients directly, but it is focused on a virus that commonly causes illness in infants and young children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children under 11 who get RSV or are at high risk for severe RSV illness are the people most likely to benefit from medicines developed from this work.
Not a fit: People with non-RSV respiratory illnesses or those who are not at risk for severe RSV disease would be unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new antiviral drugs or targets to prevent or treat RSV infections in infants and young children.
How similar studies have performed: Structural studies of other viral polymerases have guided successful antiviral development, but detailed, drug-ready structures for the RSV polymerase are still limited, so this work builds on prior progress while addressing important gaps.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Bo — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Liang, Bo
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.