How a natural antiviral made by cells (ddhCTP) helps the protein viperin fight viruses
Deciphering the role of ddhCTP in viperin-related functions
Researchers are looking at how a molecule called ddhCTP made by the immune protein viperin blocks viruses like Dengue, Zika, and others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320813 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are mapping how the immune enzyme viperin produces a small nucleotide called ddhCTP and how that molecule can stop viral replication. They will use cell-based experiments and animal models to test how ddhCTP affects viral polymerases and to explore viperin’s links to processes like cholesterol metabolism and protein turnover. The team will compare viruses that are sensitive to ddhCTP (for example flaviviruses) with those that are not (for example picornaviruses) to find what determines susceptibility. The goal is to define the biochemical steps so researchers can consider drugs or therapies that mimic or boost this natural antiviral defense.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is laboratory-focused rather than a patient trial, it is most relevant to people at risk of or recovering from flavivirus infections such as Dengue or Zika and to those interested in antiviral approaches.
Not a fit: People with unrelated medical conditions or infections caused by viruses that are not sensitive to ddhCTP (for example picornaviruses) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new antiviral treatments or ways to boost the body’s natural defenses against viruses such as Zika and dengue.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies showed ddhCTP can block several flavivirus polymerases in vitro and reduce Zika virus in animal models, but using this knowledge to make human therapies remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grove, Tyler L — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Grove, Tyler L
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.