Understanding how mutations in viral entry proteins affect infection and immunity
Prospectively characterizing the functional and antigenic effects of mutations to viral entry proteins
This study is looking at how changes in the proteins that help viruses get into cells can affect their ability to infect different animals and dodge our immune system, which could lead to better treatments and vaccines for viral infections like Ebola and MERS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10471843 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in the proteins that allow viruses to enter cells can impact their ability to infect different species and evade the immune system. By combining genomics, computational methods, and virology, the team aims to create a platform that can analyze mutations in entry proteins from various viruses, including Ebola and MERS. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to better understanding and treatment of viral infections, particularly for emerging viruses. The findings could also help in developing vaccines and therapies that are more effective against these viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for infections from emerging viruses like Ebola, MERS, Lassa, and Nipah.
Not a fit: Patients with established viral infections that do not involve the studied viruses may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating viral infections, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using similar genomic and computational approaches to understand viral mutations, indicating a promising avenue for this work.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bloom, Jesse D — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Bloom, Jesse D
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.