Project 1R21AI144135-01 – Total funding: $226,169




Mimicking evolution to define mechanisms of airborne transmission of H7N9 viruses, started on 2nd September of this year and is ongoing. 
https://reporter.nih.gov/search/mtX3YY0yDEWhtVYfYW66Yg/project-details/9722781

According to the description provided for Project 1R21AI144135-01: “The Asian lineage H7N9 avian influenza viruses (AIV)… have not spread in humans; however, there is a high potential for these viruses to evolve to transmit via the airborne route and cause a pandemic… Viruses carrying the H7N9 HA and NA on the A/PR8 vaccine backbone will be generated. Mutations will be introduced into the HA and NA gene segments…we will evaluate the replication kinetics of recombinant H7N9-A/PR8 viruses for their growth in primary human airway epithelial cells. Primary human cells will include nasal, tracheal, bronchial, and small airway epithelial cells.” The researchers want to make the virus able to transmit via the airborne route in order to assess the pandemic potential of H7N9 viruses.

Source:

NIAID Gain of Function Research
https://www.phe.gov/s3/dualuse/Pages/ResearchReview-PPP.aspx