Understanding how MPXV antibodies block mpox infection in humans
Official title: Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11448643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to map how antibodies from people exposed to mpox or mpox vaccines recognize and block monkeypox virus to guide better treatments and vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 25, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $897,277 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI196104-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with mpox infection history, mpox vaccine recipients, and patients at risk of mpox exposure who could participate in antibody studies or future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without mpox exposure or vaccination may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project studies which parts of the monkeypox virus are targeted by protective antibodies and how these antibodies stop the virus from entering cells. It uses samples from people who recovered from mpox, those who were vaccinated, and a large library of human antibodies, combined with advanced lab techniques to isolate and test antibodies. The work will connect antibody binding sites to functional protection and reveal how the virus interacts with human receptors. The goal is to build an integrated platform that accelerates development of improved therapies against mpox. Results could inform new vaccines and antibody-based treatments for people at risk or affected by mpox.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to stronger, more durable antibody-based therapies and vaccines against mpox for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has identified protective antibodies and vulnerable epitopes on MPXV, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Meng — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Meng
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.