Investigating how mutations in coronavirus spike proteins affect their function
Official title: Structure-Function Analysis of Human and Bat Coronavirus Spike Proteins
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11114040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the spike proteins of the COVID-19 virus affect its ability to infect people and dodge our immune system, with the goal of finding ways to improve treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183195-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are at high risk for severe disease due to underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or related coronaviruses may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the spike proteins of coronaviruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The team will explore how mutations in these proteins influence their ability to bind to human cells and evade the immune response. By using experimental techniques and computational models, they aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these mutations and their effects on the virus's behavior. This knowledge could help in developing better treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 and related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for treating and preventing COVID-19 and similar viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on coronavirus spike proteins has shown promise in understanding their function and developing vaccines, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mallela, Krishna M.g. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Mallela, Krishna M.g.
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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.