Understanding the structure of a key protein in the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Official title: Structure of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid: building block to viral capsid
Funded at La Jolla Institute for Immunology · NIH-10881919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a key part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that helps it grow and spread, and by figuring out its structure, the researchers hope to learn more about how the virus works, which could help in creating new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | La Jolla Institute for Immunology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $229,720 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178427-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or are at risk of COVID-19 may benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral respiratory illnesses or those not affected by COVID-19 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the nucleocapsid protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is crucial for the virus's ability to replicate and assemble. The team aims to determine the full-length structure of this protein, which has been challenging due to its flexible nature. By using advanced techniques like electromobility shift assays and electron microscopy, they are isolating specific forms of the protein that can be analyzed in detail. This work could provide insights into how the virus operates and potentially inform the development of antiviral strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antiviral treatments targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on viral proteins has shown success in understanding their structures, which has led to effective treatments, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
La Jolla Institute for Immunology
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saphire, Erica Ollmann — La Jolla Institute for Immunology
- Study coordinator: Saphire, Erica Ollmann
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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.