Sponsoring NCI Division:	Division of Cancer Biology (DCB)
	Grant Number:	R37CA13202
	Award Approved:	June 2003
	Institution:	Harvard University
	Department:	Division of Medical Sciences, Virology
	Scientific Abstract (CRISP) 1 The Harrison Laboratory at Harvard University 2 Literature Search on PubMed 3

Structure and Assembly of Viruses

The Harrison Laboratory is studying the structures of viral proteins that mediate entry into cells. The mechanisms of viral entry reveal fundamental properties not only of viruses but also of their host cells. Moreover, inhibition of entry is a potential mechanism of action for antiviral drugs. The laboratory's current focus is on the study of double-stranded RNA viruses to help determine how nonenveloped viruses (viruses without lipid membranes of their own) enter cells. This process poses significant mechanistic puzzles. The structures of entry proteins from reovirus and rotavirus suggest that major conformational rearrangements in the protein oligomers may drive membrane penetration steps.