How poxviruses hijack cell division and antiviral defenses
Official title: Subversion of Cellular Mitotic and Antiviral Signaling by Poxviral Kinases
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11238426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are learning how poxvirus proteins change cell division and block antiviral defenses to help people affected by poxvirus infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | December 3, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $449,777 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165501-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11238426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have or are at risk for poxvirus infections (for example vaccinia or related orthopoxviruses) would be the most relevant group for future clinical work based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated non-poxvirus conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic laboratory research.
What this research studies
This research uses lab experiments to understand how poxviruses use proteins called B1 and B12 to alter cell division and weaken the cell's antiviral response. Scientists study how these viral proteins and related human enzymes modify a cellular protein called BAF that helps compact viral DNA and control infection. The team focuses on B12, a viral 'pseudokinase' that appears to repress viral DNA replication by different mechanisms than typical kinases. By comparing viral and human proteins in cells, the researchers aim to map the pathways that viruses exploit and identify points that could be targeted by future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new viral mechanisms to target, helping guide development of antivirals or other therapies against poxvirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory studies have shown that viral kinases can influence replication and host defense, but the role of viral pseudokinases like B12 is relatively novel and less well understood.
Where this research is happening
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University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiebe, Matthew S — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Wiebe, Matthew S
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.