How flu virus RNA and proteins interact to help infection
RNA:protein interactions that dictate the success of influenza virus infection
Researchers are looking at how interactions between flu virus RNA and proteins help the virus grow in human cells and how that knowledge could help people with influenza.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258008 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, this project looks at how the flu virus uses contacts between its RNA and both viral and human proteins to take over cells and weaken immune defenses. The team is following up on findings that a human protein called IFIT2 and the viral nucleoprotein bind RNAs in ways that unexpectedly help the virus. They will use lab experiments in human cells and molecular mapping techniques to find which RNA:protein interactions change immune responses and viral replication. The work aims to pinpoint molecular steps that could be targeted by new therapies or antiviral drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have influenza or are willing to donate respiratory or blood samples to related lab studies would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for current flu symptoms are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs or treatments that reduce flu replication and severity.
How similar studies have performed: Past studies have shown antiviral roles for IFIT family proteins, but the idea that IFIT2 or viral nucleoprotein can be co-opted to help influenza is relatively new and being actively explored.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehle, Andrew — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Mehle, Andrew
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.