Understanding the structure of Hepatitis B virus capsids and particles from human cells
Official title: Structural characterization of native HBV capsids and virions from human cells
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11091630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the Hepatitis B virus to find new ways to treat it better, using advanced imaging techniques to understand how the virus works in human cells, which could help develop more effective treatments for people living with Hepatitis B.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $692,089 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173104-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B infection who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have cleared the Hepatitis B virus or those without any HBV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which poses a significant global health risk. While vaccines exist, current treatments often fail to provide a complete cure, highlighting the need for new antiviral therapies. The study aims to utilize advanced cryo-electron microscopy to analyze the structures of HBV capsids and virions directly from human cells, which could lead to better understanding and development of effective treatments. By examining the native structures, researchers hope to uncover critical insights into the virus's replication process and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments that effectively cure Hepatitis B infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting viral capsid assembly as a therapeutic strategy, but this specific approach using native HBV structures is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Che-Yen — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wang, Che-Yen
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.