Targeting SARS-CoV-2 PLpro to develop antiviral treatment
Official title: Targeting SARS-CoV-2 PLpro for COVID-19 treatment
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11261167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is developing new drug candidates that block a key SARS-CoV-2 enzyme to help treat COVID-19 patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | February 22, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $635,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168165-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11261167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 could benefit from future antiviral therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This research is focused on drug development and may not benefit individuals who do not have access to the resulting therapies.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2, a viral enzyme essential for replication and immune system interaction. Researchers will use structure-guided design and crystallography to optimize novel inhibitors that bind to a newly discovered site, the BL2 groove, outside the active site. The work includes testing these compounds in human cell systems and assessing stability and how long the drugs stay active in the body. The ultimate goal is to advance promising compounds toward antiviral therapy that complements vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain access to new antiviral medications that reduce viral replication and help control COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Prior efforts have shown that designed inhibitors can block PLpro and reduce viral activity in cells, supporting progression to further development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiong, Rui — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Xiong, Rui
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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.