How ADP-ribosylation controls our antiviral defenses
Official title: Determining mechanisms of innate immune modulation by ADP-ribosylation
Funded at University of Kansas Lawrence · NIH-11400975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying a cellular modification called ADP-ribosylation and how it helps the body fight viruses, with a focus on how coronaviruses interact with this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lawrence, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $446,429 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM138029-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with viral infections or diseases where innate immunity plays a key role, or those interested in contributing human samples for related analyses.
✕Less likely to help
People without viral infections or conditions linked to ADP-ribosylation may not directly benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
This project looks at how small protein changes inside our cells influence antiviral defenses, especially through ADP-ribosylation and the enzymes that add or remove it. By using coronavirus models that lack a key viral protein, the study aims to uncover how MAR and PAR modifications affect virus replication and immune signaling. The work combines genetic and molecular approaches to map how ADP-ribosylation shapes the innate immune response. Outcomes could identify new targets to boost antiviral immunity in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of ADP-ribosylation could lead to new ways to strengthen the body’s natural defense against viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work indicates that ADP-ribosylation has important roles in antiviral responses, but the precise mechanisms are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Lawrence
Lawrence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fehr, Anthony R. — University of Kansas Lawrence
- Study coordinator: Fehr, Anthony R.
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.