How a family of poxvirus proteins helps the virus hide from the immune system
The B22 family of orthopoxvirus virulence factors: Investigating structure/function of these potent, multifaceted immunoevasins
Researchers are examining large B22 proteins from poxviruses to learn how they block immune responses and to inform better prevention or treatments for infections like smallpox and monkeypox.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245759 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of this work as figuring out how very large poxvirus proteins called B22 let the virus evade immune cells. The team will solve the proteins' 3-D structures and test their effects on T cells and natural killer cells using cell systems and animal models. They will compare B22 family members from viruses such as monkeypox, ectromelia (mousepox), and Alaskapox to pinpoint which parts are responsible for stopping immune responses. Results will be used to guide new vaccine or drug ideas to better protect people from severe poxvirus infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had poxvirus infections (for example monkeypox), individuals who received poxvirus vaccines, or volunteers willing to donate blood or tissue samples for immune studies would be most relevant for related human-sample work.
Not a fit: People with medical problems unrelated to viral infections or immune-evading viruses are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to vaccines or therapies that prevent poxviruses from disabling the immune system and reduce severe disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies have shown some B22 proteins can drastically increase disease severity in animal models, but many family members and exact mechanisms remain untested and incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenlohr, Laurence Crane — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Eisenlohr, Laurence Crane
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.