How virus shells and cell membranes change shape
Structural Dynamics of Viral Proteins: Development and Application of Multiscale Computational Methods for Studying Viral Capsids, Proteins and Membrane Systems
Using advanced computer simulations and AI to understand how virus shells and membranes change, with the goal of helping people affected by enteroviruses like polio, EV-A71, and EV-D68.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307650 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use detailed computer simulations and deep learning to model how viral capsids (the protein shells) and cell membranes move and change shape. They combine atom-level models with larger-scale methods to see steps such as capsid opening and genome release. The team focuses on enteroviruses, including poliovirus, EV-A71 and EV-D68, which can cause serious illness in children. Their models and tools aim to reveal targets for drugs or vaccines that could block infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by or at risk for enterovirus infections—particularly children with EV-A71, EV-D68, or poliovirus exposure—are the patient groups most likely to benefit from this research.
Not a fit: People with unrelated conditions or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this computational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could point to new drug or vaccine targets that stop enteroviruses from infecting cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural and computational studies have helped guide antiviral discovery, but applying multiscale simulations and deep learning specifically to enterovirus uncoating is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Storrs-Mansfield, United States
- University of Connecticut Storrs — Storrs-Mansfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: May, Eric Robert — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: May, Eric Robert
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.