How the COVID-19 virus builds and releases new virus particles
Elucidation of Assembly and Budding Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2
This project looks at how the virus that causes COVID-19 uses cell fats and proteins to form and release new virus particles, which could help people with COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140503 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Purdue will use lab experiments and computer simulations to study how viral proteins and host cell lipids interact during virus assembly and budding. They will work with cell-based systems and purified components under high-containment (BSL-3) conditions to observe the steps a new virus particle takes to form and leave a cell. Advanced biochemical, biophysical, and computational tools will map the key molecular interactions and dynamics. The combined data will be used to identify steps that could be blocked by future antiviral drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a laboratory-focused project rather than a treatment trial, but patients who can donate clinical samples (for example, nasal swabs or blood) to partner studies could contribute to the research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or enrollment in a clinical trial should not expect direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for antiviral drugs that stop the virus from producing infectious particles and reduce disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biochemical and structural studies of related coronaviruses (SARS, MERS) have clarified assembly steps and informed drug discovery, though turning that knowledge into approved antivirals has proven difficult; this project builds on that foundation.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stahelin, Robert Virgil — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Stahelin, Robert Virgil
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.