Understanding how viral fusion proteins cause membranes to fuse
Official title: Solid-State NMR of Viral Fusion Peptides and Proteins
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11553181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how the envelope proteins of AIDS-causing viruses help them fuse with human cells, with the aim of guiding new antiviral strategies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2001 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $343,399 |
| NIH project number | 2R56AI047153-20 |
| Project ID | NIH-11553181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be patients at risk for or affected by HIV/AIDS or influenza who participate in related vaccine or therapeutic development studies, or individuals contributing biological samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
People not connected to viral entry research or those not contributing samples or participating in related studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how viral fusion proteins, like HIV gp41 and influenza hemagglutinin, drive the membrane fusion step that lets viruses enter cells. By looking at the structural changes in these proteins during fusion, researchers hope to identify targets for drugs or vaccines that block this step. The work uses solid-state NMR to observe fusion-related structures and interactions in a controlled setting. Insights from this research could inform the design of fusogenic inhibitors and broader vaccines against enveloped viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could contribute to new antiviral therapies and vaccine approaches that disrupt viral entry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that understanding fusion proteins can guide vaccine and antiviral development, though this specific approach using solid-state NMR is advancing the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weliky, David P — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Weliky, David P
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.