How cells use prenylation to fight viruses
Prenylation in antiviral immunity
This work looks at whether a cell process called prenylation helps the immune system block viruses such as coronaviruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying prenylation, a chemical tag that helps proteins stick to cell membranes and may change how cells respond to viruses. They used computer analyses and biochemical screens to find antiviral proteins with prenylation motifs, and will change specific enzymes in the prenylation pathway to see how that affects interferon signaling and virus entry, replication, and release. Most experiments will be done in cells and laboratory models to define cellular antiviral mechanisms rather than as a direct patient treatment. In the future patients might be asked to provide samples or could benefit from drugs developed from these findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with prior or ongoing viral infections such as COVID-19, or those willing to donate blood samples for research, would be the most relevant candidates to support this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate antiviral treatment or those with non-viral conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new antiviral drug targets that boost the cell's natural defenses against viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Some lab studies have shown prenylation affects immune proteins, but applying that knowledge to block human viruses is relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Savan, Ram — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Savan, Ram
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.