Investigating how Lassa virus uses different receptors to enter cells
Official title: Understanding pH-dependent receptor utilization of Lassa virus
Funded at La Jolla Institute for Immunology · NIH-11094879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Lassa virus gets into human cells, which is important for understanding how it causes illness, and it could help find new ways to treat infections for people affected by this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | La Jolla Institute for Immunology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 24, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $221,888 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180800-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in or traveling to regions where Lassa fever is endemic, particularly in West Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of Lassa fever or those living in regions where the virus is not present may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the Lassa virus, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever, enters human cells by utilizing two different receptors. The study will explore the structural changes in the virus's glycoprotein complex that occur in response to acidic environments, which are crucial for the virus's ability to infect cells. By examining these processes, researchers aim to uncover critical details about the virus's mechanism of action, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. The research employs advanced structural biology techniques to visualize the virus-receptor interactions at a molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments or vaccines for Lassa fever, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on viral entry mechanisms has shown promise in developing antiviral strategies, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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La Jolla Institute for Immunology
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Haoyang — La Jolla Institute for Immunology
- Study coordinator: Li, Haoyang
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.