How the coronavirus gets into cells and how to stop it
Mechanism and Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Entry
Looks for ways to block how SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells to help people with COVID-19.
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-11112336 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work watches how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein engages human cell receptors and triggers membrane fusion using advanced single‑virion imaging. Researchers use a safe chimeric virus (VSV carrying the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike) and cell models to track which entry routes and host proteins the virus uses. They test monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors, and small molecules to see which block entry in the model and compare those findings with real virus data. The goal is to identify promising entry blockers that could move toward therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or recent COVID-19 infection or those at high risk of exposure could be future candidates for clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are driven mainly by late immune or inflammatory complications rather than active viral entry may not benefit from entry‑blocking treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could point to therapies that stop infection early by preventing the virus from entering cells, potentially reducing illness and transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Monoclonal antibodies and soluble receptor approaches that block spike‑ACE2 interaction have shown benefit in other studies, and pseudovirus systems are a validated screening tool, while the single‑virion imaging adds new mechanistic detail.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whelan, Sean Pj — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Whelan, Sean Pj
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.