Project Grant K25AI177810

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded a 5-year, $240,516 Project Grant under CFDA 93.855 - Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research to The University of Kentucky Research Foundation (the Research Foundation). The grant supports a research project titled "Understand the Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 Entry by Single-Molecule Approaches" that aims to gain detailed insights into the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and membrane fusion through advanced single-molecule biophysical techniques. The project will measure the binding dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the ACE2 receptor, study the conformational changes in the spike protein induced by TMPRSS2 cleavage, and analyze the heterogeneity of neutralizing antibodies. The findings are expected to significantly advance the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and inform the development of effective preventions and therapeutics. The Research Foundation, a non-profit subsidiary of the University of Kentucky, will manage the grant and facilitate the research as the prime recipient.