How viruses copy themselves and get into human cells
Structural studies of viral replication and invasion
Researchers are mapping how viruses copy their genetic material and enter human cells to help prevent and treat infections like coronaviruses and retroviruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, it's helpful to know researchers are looking at viruses at the molecular level to see exactly how they copy their RNA and insert into our cells. They use high-resolution structural methods to visualize viral machines that copy genomes and spike proteins that bind to cell receptors. The team focuses on retroviral integration into host chromosomes and on coronavirus enzymes that proofread viral RNA, and they test antibodies and antibody-like molecules that block the spike protein. The aim is to reveal weaknesses that drugs or antibody therapies could target or to develop safer gene-delivery tools.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by coronavirus infections, retroviral diseases (such as HTLV-related conditions), or those willing to donate samples for lab studies at the University of Minnesota would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to viral infections or who cannot provide research samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new antiviral drugs, improved antibody therapies, or better gene-delivery approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Prior structural biology studies have informed successful antivirals and neutralizing antibodies, but targeting coronavirus proofreading enzymes and developing antibody-mimics are relatively new approaches.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aihara, Hideki — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Aihara, Hideki
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.