Stopping how SARS‑CoV‑2 hides its RNA from the immune system
Mechanism-based Targeting of the RNA Processing Machinery of SARS-CoV-2
This project works on blocking a viral enzyme so people with COVID‑19 can have their immune systems recognize and clear the virus more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187252 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the SARS‑CoV‑2 enzyme (nsp16/nsp10) that chemically modifies the virus’s RNA to make it look like our own, which helps the virus hide from immune detection. Using atomic‑level structures, they identified a unique pocket on the enzyme and will design small molecules to bind and block its activity. Candidate inhibitors will be tested in biochemical assays and infected cell models to see if blocking the enzyme exposes the virus to immune responses. Successful leads could move toward preclinical development as new antiviral therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people at risk of or recently diagnosed with COVID‑19 who might benefit from improved antiviral treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to SARS‑CoV‑2 infection or those seeking immediate approved therapies may not directly benefit from this early‑stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce new antiviral drugs that help the immune system spot and clear SARS‑CoV‑2, potentially reducing disease severity and transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Approaches that target viral enzymes have led to effective antivirals for other viruses, but blocking the SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA‑cap methyltransferase is a relatively new strategy that remains under active testing.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gupta, Yogesh K — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Gupta, Yogesh K
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 below.