Developing nanobody treatments for rabies and related viruses
Official title: Targeting glycoprotein (G) domain-III for pan-lyssavirus nanobody therapeutics
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10999144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on developing new treatments to help fight rabies and similar viruses by creating tiny antibodies that can target and neutralize different strains of the virus, aiming to provide better protection than current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 7UH2AI171611-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of exposure to rabies or other lyssavirus infections, including those in endemic areas or those who have been bitten by potentially infected animals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of lyssavirus infections or those who have already received effective post-exposure prophylaxis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new therapeutic agents to combat rabies and other lyssavirus infections. By targeting a specific part of the virus's glycoprotein, the study aims to develop nanobodies that can neutralize a wide range of lyssaviruses. These nanobodies are designed to bind to conserved regions of the virus, potentially offering protection against various strains that current treatments do not effectively cover. The approach involves detailed sequence analysis and immunological techniques to identify and produce these nanobodies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for rabies and other lyssavirus infections, potentially saving lives and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nanobodies for targeting viral infections, indicating that this approach could be effective for lyssaviruses as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Kai — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Xu, Kai
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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.