Award
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 5R01AI181955-03
Structural and functional definition of human astrovirus-receptor interactions
Recipient
Washington University
Award Amount
$739,788.00
Ceiling
$739,788.00
Awarded
December 04, 2025
Identifier
5R01AI181955-03
NIH grant awarded to Washington University to study human astrovirus entry mechanisms by identifying host cell receptors, using advanced molecular and structural biology techniques, to aid antiviral and vaccine development.
Description
This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of human astrovirus (HAstV) entry into host cells by identifying and characterizing the host cell receptors involved. The study will leverage genome-wide CRISPR screening, biophysical interaction analyses, cryogenic electron microscopy, and physiologically relevant models such as human intestinal enteroids and mouse models. The goal is to identify critical receptor domains and residues, understand how receptor binding affects virion structure, and develop tools for antiviral and vaccine development.