How Viruses Merge with Cells
Lipid Bilayer Remodeling and Protein Intermediates During Membrane Fusion
This project aims to uncover the exact steps viruses use to enter our cells, which is crucial for developing new ways to fight infections like HIV and coronavirus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116986 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are working to understand the precise process by which viruses, such as those causing AIDS and COVID-19, fuse with human cells to begin an infection. Our approach uses advanced imaging tools like cryo-electron microscopy and structural mass spectrometry to capture detailed images of these tiny events. By freezing and analyzing the virus and cell membranes at different stages, we can see how the proteins involved change shape and manipulate the cell's outer layer. This detailed view helps us map out the critical steps of viral entry, offering new insights into how to block these infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is not recruiting patients directly but aims to benefit individuals affected by viral infections, such as HIV or COVID-19, in the future.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to viral entry mechanisms or cellular membrane fusion would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new medicines or strategies to prevent viral infections like HIV and COVID-19 by blocking their entry into cells.
How similar studies have performed: While membrane fusion is widely studied, this project seeks to provide a more detailed mechanistic understanding of intermediate structures and protein changes, which is currently limited.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Kelly Keisen — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Lee, Kelly Keisen
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.