RSV Fusion Protein: mapping how mutations change antibody binding
Official title: Mapping the Effects of Antigenic Variability in the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11435691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher will map which mutations in the RSV fusion protein allow the virus to escape antibodies, using safe, non-infectious systems to help improve future vaccines and antibody therapies for people of all ages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $191,376 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AI201821-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Any patient population affected by RSV, including children under 11 and adults over 21, could indirectly benefit from improved vaccines and therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients currently without RSV exposure or those not using RSV-directed preventive products may see limited immediate benefit.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on RSV, a common virus that can cause serious illness in children and adults with risk factors. The project will build a deep mutational scanning platform to test how all possible changes in the RSV F protein affect cell entry and antibody neutralization, using a safe pseudovirus system. The results will help identify mutations that lead to resistance and inform surveillance and design of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. By understanding escape mutations, clinicians can anticipate viral changes and protect patients better. The work is conducted at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center with a goal to translate findings into improved prevention strategies for diverse patient populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could guide the development of more durable vaccines and antibodies against RSV, potentially reducing severe disease in children and vulnerable adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous RSV research has identified escape mutations in some contexts, but this project aims to comprehensively map all possible mutations and their impact on neutralization.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simonich, Cassandra Arien Lynn — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Simonich, Cassandra Arien Lynn
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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.