A newly discovered protein change that affects herpes simplex virus
Protein Phosphoribosylation: Characterization of a novel protein modification
This project looks at how a newly found protein modification helps herpes simplex virus build and spread virus particles, which could be important for people with severe or recurrent HSV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) uses a protein modification called phosphoribosylation during infection. They will focus on the cell enzyme NAMPT and NAD+ pathways to see how viral proteins like VP22 get this modification and how that helps viruses form infectious particles. Lab work will use cell-based experiments and molecular tests to follow the chemical steps from ADP-ribosylation to phosphoribosylation. Understanding these basic steps could point to new ways to stop the virus from making more copies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: If human samples are sought, ideal participants would be people with recent, recurrent, or severe herpes simplex virus 1 infections who can provide blood or lesion samples.
Not a fit: People without HSV infection or with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets that block HSV-1 replication and reduce severe or recurring herpes infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related research on ADP-ribosylation has informed disease biology before, but studying phosphoribosylation in animals and its role in HSV-1 infection is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Shu — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Feng, Shu
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.