Structure-guided look at the hepatitis B virus polymerase
Official title: Structure-guided functional analysis of the hepadnaviral polymerase
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11340292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team will map how the hepatitis B virus polymerase works, using its structure to understand how it makes viral DNA, which could lead to better treatments for hepatitis B.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 18, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $627,222 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198338-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11340292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly in this phase; findings could eventually translate into improved treatments for people with hepatitis B.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit to current patients during basic mechanistic studies.
What this research studies
This project studies the hepatitis B virus polymerase, a key enzyme needed for viral replication. By combining structural modeling with functional tests, researchers aim to reveal how the enzyme primes DNA synthesis and interacts with viral RNA and host factors. The work builds on recent predictions of the polymerase structure and tests these models in laboratory experiments. The ultimate goal is to identify weaknesses in the enzyme that medicines could target to stop viral replication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: New insights into the hepatitis B virus polymerase could inform the development of more effective antiviral therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that understanding enzyme structure can guide drug design, with potential for meaningful progress in HBV therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tavis, John E — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Tavis, John E
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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.