NIH-funded research R03 grant

Dengue virus NS4A protein dynamics shape how the virus hijacks cells

Official title: Dengue virus NS4A protein dynamics drive membrane deformation

Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11453454 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant studies how a dengue virus protein (NS4A) helps the virus bend cell membranes, aiming to reveal new ways to stop infection.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project startJuly 9, 2026
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$80,500
NIH project number1R03AI196215-01A1
Project IDNIH-11453454 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Not applicable at this stage; laboratory studies are the focus, with potential future translation to people affected by dengue.

Less likely to help

No direct patient benefit during this basic science phase.

What this research studies

If funded, researchers will investigate how NS4A causes membranes in infected cells to reshape themselves to form viral replication sites. The project uses biochemical and biophysical methods to watch NS4A behavior in model systems that mimic human cells. The findings could point to targets for antiviral drugs that block dengue replication and transmission. This work focuses on understanding a human disease process at the molecular level to inform future therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding NS4A-driven membrane remodeling could lead to new antiviral strategies against dengue.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work in this area has shown NS4A’s role in membrane remodeling, supporting the relevance of this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California at Davis
    Davis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ahn, Surl-Hee — University of California at Davis
  • Study coordinator: Ahn, Surl-Hee

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.