Identifying and inhibiting variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Official title: Seeing the Unseen: High-Throughput Prospective Profiling and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain variants
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10749049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at different strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, especially the Omicron variant, to help find new ways to spot and fight off future variants, so we can create better vaccines and treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,992 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174157-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10749049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at high risk for COVID-19 infection or reinfection, such as those with underlying health conditions or those who are unvaccinated.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and have developed strong immunity may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the various strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, particularly the Omicron variant, which has shown the ability to evade human immunity. The team aims to develop a method for identifying new variants that may emerge and pose a threat to public health. By profiling the receptor-binding domain of these variants, the researchers hope to create effective vaccines and treatments that can be used to combat future outbreaks. This work involves advanced techniques in protein engineering and immunology to design targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of vaccines and treatments that are effective against new and emerging variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines and treatments for viral variants, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khare, Sagar D — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Khare, Sagar D
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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.