Human parainfluenza virus fusion complexglycoproteins imaged in action

Project Narrative: The Paramyxoviridae family of viruses includes several pathogenic members that pose a major threat to human health, and human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3) leads to illness or death in millions of infants and young children. The goal of the proposed research is to structurally characterize the steps whereby the viral fusion complex of glycoproteins on the viral surface mediates entry into cells at the first step of infection. This knowledge will guide future design of vaccines and antiviral strategies.