Lyssavirus glycoprotein fusion and receptor binding revealed at the structural level
Official title: Structural basis of lyssavirus glycoprotein fusion, receptor binding, and organization
Funded at Montana State University - Bozeman · NIH-11428608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant uses lyssavirus proteins to map how viral surface proteins fuse with cells and bind receptors, which helps us understand how rabies-related viruses infect hosts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Montana State University - Bozeman NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bozeman, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $398,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM166114-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is primarily preclinical and involves molecular and structural studies; it does not require patient participation at this stage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients would not directly participate or benefit from this specific basic science study, but insights may inform future therapeutic development.
What this research studies
Researchers will study lyssavirus glycoproteins as a model to uncover how these viral proteins transition between shapes, bind receptors, and organize on the viral membrane. The project leverages cryo-electron microscopy to capture fusion intermediates and identify key regions that control glycoprotein arrangement. By comparing different lyssaviruses, they aim to link structural features to host range and infection efficiency. The findings could illuminate targets for therapies or vaccines that block viral entry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of how lyssavirus glycoproteins mediate entry could inform new strategies to prevent or treat infections from rabies-related viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous structural studies of viral glycoproteins with cryo-EM have successfully revealed fusion mechanisms and receptor interactions in related viruses.
Where this research is happening
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Montana State University - Bozeman
Bozeman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Callaway, Heather M — Montana State University - Bozeman
- Study coordinator: Callaway, Heather M
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.