How poxviruses hijack the cell's protein-making machinery
Poxvirus manipulation of the host cell protein synthesis machinery
This research looks at how poxviruses take over human cells' protein factories to help prevent infections and improve poxvirus-based vaccines and cancer therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249181 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study how poxviruses alter the host cell's ribosomes and protein-production processes using molecular and cell biology approaches. They focus on viral enzymes (like the B1 kinase) that chemically modify ribosomal proteins in infected cells. Experiments use infected cell models and biochemical analyses to map these modifications and their effects on protein synthesis. The work links basic virus biology to how poxvirus-derived tools are used as vaccines and cancer treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are at risk for poxvirus infections or patients receiving poxvirus-based vaccines or oncolytic therapies would be most directly connected to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated infectious diseases or conditions that do not involve poxviruses are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new antiviral targets and help make poxvirus-based vaccines and oncolytic therapies safer and more effective.
How similar studies have performed: Poxviruses have a long history as successful vaccine vectors and oncolytic agents, but detailed study of how they modify ribosomes is a newer and more basic-science direction.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Derek — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Derek
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.