Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization
NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
About This Grant
ABSTRACT Orthopoxviruses have caused devastating pandemics and outbreaks throughout human history, primarily through variola virus (smallpox), which was eradicated globally in 1977. Another member of this genus, monkeypox virus (MPXV), causes mpox disease. Recent global MPXV outbreaks have raised concern about threats to global health. Like smallpox, MPXV can be transmitted from person to person. However, current vaccines against MPXV elicit limited antibody responses, with markedly lower neutralizing antibody levels compared to naturally infected convalescent individuals. In this R01 proposal, we aim to identify the primary targets of neutralizing and protective antibodies against MPXV, as well as elucidate MPXV-receptor interactions and molecular determinants of antibody-mediated protection. Addressing these critical knowledge gaps is essential for developing improved therapeutic options against MPXV. We have developed a highly integrated platform that combines diverse sources of antibodies from mpox convalescents, MPXV vaccinees, and a large human antibody phage library, with state-of-the-art antibody isolation strategies, functional assays, and high-throughput structural biology, to address these critical knowledge gaps. Our recent studies have uncovered novel protective antibodies to MPXV and identified vulnerable sites (protective epitopes) on MPXV antigens, establishing the effectiveness of our platform for anti-MPXV antibody studies. Building on this strong foundation, the proposed research aims to (1) uncover new epitopes that are poorly represented in current vaccines but crucial for enhancing immune responses against mpox; (2) define the structural basis of MPXV attachment to human cells by resolving interactions between the viral attachment proteins and host cell receptors as targets for protective antibodies; and (3) define and optimize therapeutic antibody combinations against MPXV. Overall, by leveraging our extensive antibody resources and our structural and functional platform for orthopoxvirus studies, we will identify highly protective as well as novel epitopes and elucidate the mechanisms of MPXV entry and antibody-mediated protection. These insights will guide design of strategies and options for treatment and prevention of current mpox outbreaks and enhance preparedness for future mpox or other poxvirus outbreaks or pandemics.
Grant Summary
Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization is a NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant providing up to $897K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-05-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Not quite the right fit?
Search 9,000+ open grants, or get matches ranked for your organization — free.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $897K
2031-05-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases before the deadline.
Don't want to draft it yourself?
We'll draft the complete application against NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases's requirements, run a quality review, and email you a submission-ready PDF plus an editable Word doc within 5 business days. Most orders deliver in 24-48 hours. Flat $399, any grant size.
AI Requirement Analysis
Detailed requirements not yet analyzed
Have the NOFO? Paste it below for AI-powered requirement analysis.
Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization?
Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization is offered by NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization provide?
Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization provides up to $897K per award from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization deadline?
Applications for Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization are due 2031-05-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization?
To apply for Structural and functional insights into mpox entry and neutralization, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.