Broad antiviral therapy by targeting a key enzyme in nucleotide synthesis
Official title: Explore a key nucleotide synthesis enzyme to develop a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy.
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11613272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A plan to block a human enzyme that many viruses need, with the aim of creating a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment for infections like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and HSV-1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $730,304 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI184716-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11613272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for severe viral infections who may benefit from broader antiviral options in the future (pending successful trials).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without viral infections or those who respond well to existing antivirals may see limited or no immediate benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a nucleotide synthesis enzyme that many viruses hijack to replicate and evade immune responses. Researchers will use mouse models with engineered gene changes to study how inhibiting this enzyme affects viral replication and the body's antiviral signals. They will also test a library of small molecules designed to block the enzyme and restore immune responses. The work combines genetic models and chemistry to identify potential drugs that could work against multiple viruses. If successful, this could lead to new therapies that help people recover from diverse viral infections more quickly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain a new broad-spectrum antiviral option that hinders multiple viruses and supports the body’s immune defenses.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that targeting shared viral dependencies can reduce replication and boost immune responses, though this exact enzyme-target approach is still being evaluated.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Pinghui — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Feng, Pinghui
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.