Understanding how certain proteins in Betacoronaviruses affect their ability to cause disease

Phenotypic and functional characterization of Betacoronavirus Internal protein in relation to virulence

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11041115

This study is looking at how certain proteins in viruses like SARS and COVID-19 help them dodge our immune system, and by making changes to these viruses in the lab, researchers hope to learn more about how these proteins affect how sick we get, which could lead to new ways to treat these infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11041115 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates specific accessory proteins in Betacoronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, which play a role in how these viruses evade the immune system. By creating mutant versions of these viruses that lack certain proteins, researchers aim to understand how these proteins contribute to the severity of infections. The study involves laboratory experiments to assess the impact of these proteins on viral behavior and disease progression in animal models. This research could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating infections caused by these viruses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who have been infected with or are at risk of infection from Betacoronaviruses, including those with COVID-19 or related illnesses, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.

Not a fit: Patients with non-Betacoronavirus infections or those who are not currently at risk for these specific viruses may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by Betacoronaviruses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding viral accessory proteins can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.