Understanding how viral ion channels work to fight flu and COVID-19
Official title: Structures and Dynamics of Proton- and Cation-Conducting Viroporins
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11415670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers study tiny protein channels in viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 to learn how they operate, with hope of guiding new antiviral drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2009 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $345,671 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM159321-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
No direct patient participation is required for this grant; the work is laboratory-based and focuses on viral proteins.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or immediate patient benefit from this bench research.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced solid-state NMR methods to map the structures and movements of viral ion channels in flu and coronaviruses. By comparing wild-type and mutant channels, the work aims to reveal how specific amino acids control proton and ion flow. The findings could uncover new ways to block these channels and reduce virus harmfulness. The study focuses on medically important viruses and seeks fundamental insights into how membrane proteins conduct ions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how viral ion channels work could lead to new antiviral strategies and therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies using similar structural approaches have advanced knowledge of ion channels and informed drug design.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Mei — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hong, Mei
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.