Understanding how Ebola and similar viruses enter human cells
Dynamics and mechanisms of filovirus envelop glycoproteins
This research aims to understand the tiny steps Ebola and related viruses take to get inside our cells, which could help us find new ways to stop them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Ebola outbreaks are a serious concern, and we need better ways to treat and prevent these infections. This project focuses on how filoviruses, like Ebola, use their outer proteins to fuse with and enter human cells. By using advanced imaging and other methods, we hope to create a detailed picture of this process. This deeper understanding is crucial for developing new medicines that can block the virus from entering cells and causing illness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical trials stemming from this work would likely target individuals at risk of or infected with filoviruses.
Not a fit: Patients not at risk for or infected with filoviruses would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new treatments and preventative measures for Ebola and other dangerous filovirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified key steps in filovirus entry, but a complete molecular model integrating all factors is still missing, making this a novel approach to a long-standing problem.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munro, James B — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Munro, James B
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.