Understanding how a virus causes birth defects and how to create a vaccine
Official title: Structural and antigenic characterization of human cytomegalovirus gB
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-10901113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a virus called cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which can cause serious health problems, especially in babies, and aims to understand a key part of the virus to help find ways to create a vaccine that could protect people from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,183 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI179031-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant, as well as immunocompromised patients at risk for HCMV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HCMV infection or those who are already immune to the virus may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that can lead to serious health issues, particularly congenital birth defects. The project aims to investigate the structure and immune response to a specific viral protein called glycoprotein B (gB), which is crucial for the virus's ability to enter cells. By engineering a stabilized version of this protein, the researchers hope to identify antibodies that can effectively neutralize the virus and potentially lead to the development of a vaccine. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to better protect against HCMV infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against HCMV, reducing the incidence of congenital birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on other viruses has shown success in identifying prefusion-specific antibodies that provide strong neutralization, suggesting potential for similar breakthroughs with HCMV.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krasilnikov, Maria — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Krasilnikov, Maria
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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.