How the COVID-19 spike protein's sugar coatings affect infection and vaccines
Structural investigations of coronavirus spike protein
This project looks at how sugar attachments on the COVID-19 spike protein change its shape and how our immune system and vaccines recognize it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11199651 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's viewpoint, scientists will examine the spike protein on SARS-CoV-2 and focus on the sugar molecules (N-glycans) that are added when the protein is made in human cells. They will use lab-grown cells and high-resolution structural and chemical methods to see how these sugars alter the spike's shape, antibody binding, and ability to enter cells. The team will compare glycan patterns across different tissues, ages, and population groups to learn whether those differences could change infection outcomes or vaccine responses. The goal is to create detailed atomic-level information that can help guide better vaccine and antibody designs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had COVID-19 or received COVID-19 vaccines and are willing to donate blood or tissue samples, or those interested in contributing to vaccine research, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate COVID-19 treatment or emergency care are unlikely to get direct benefits from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help improve vaccine and antibody designs by clarifying how spike protein sugars influence immune recognition.
How similar studies have performed: Other structural studies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike and its glycans have provided important insights and informed vaccine development, but detailed effects of glycan maturation across tissues and populations remain less characterized.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasan, Syed Saif — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Hasan, Syed Saif
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.