Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells
Official title: Understand the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 entry by single-molecule approaches
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11183528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the SARS-CoV-2 virus gets into our cells, which is important for creating better vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how we can fight this virus more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $120,258 |
| NIH project number | 7K25AI177810-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11183528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in contributing to the understanding of COVID-19 and its treatment, particularly those with a background in immunology or virology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or are not interested in the underlying mechanisms of viral entry may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters human cells, which is crucial for developing effective vaccines and treatments. The study employs advanced techniques such as single-molecule fluorescence and magnetic tweezers to observe the interactions between the virus's spike protein and the ACE2 receptor on host cells. By analyzing these interactions at a molecular level, the research aims to uncover critical details about the virus's entry process and the role of neutralizing antibodies. This knowledge could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and therapeutics against COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral entry mechanisms, but this approach using single-molecule techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shrestha, Prakash — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Shrestha, Prakash
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab
Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.
-
Oral small molecule inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication
A Stanford-led project tests a pill that could stop SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses from copying their RNA inside infected cells.
-
Outpatient antiviral cocktails to fight SARS-CoV-2 and future RNA viruses
Researchers at Stanford are developing outpatient antiviral cocktails that could be used easily outside the hospital to treat COVID-19 and future RNA virus infections.
-
Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Proteases to Block Viral Replication
A patient-facing program aims to discover and optimize small molecules that block key SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, potentially reducing viral replication.
-
How different COVID-19 vaccines shape immune responses
This project compares immune reactions after mRNA and adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines to learn how long protection lasts and why some people get breakthrough infections or side effects.
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.