How SARS-CoV-2 proteins delay early immune defenses
Investigating Interferon Antagonists in Delaying Innate Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2
This project looks at how parts of the coronavirus delay early immune responses in people with COVID-19 so researchers can find new ways to stop the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143923 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a viral protein called EndoU that helps coronaviruses hide pieces of their RNA so the body's early immune sensors don't notice the infection. They make viruses with EndoU turned off and compare how those viruses grow in cells and in animals versus normal virus while measuring interferon and other early immune signals. The team also identifies which viral RNA pieces EndoU targets and how that affects the MDA5 sensor and downstream immune signaling. The aim is to find viral features that could be targeted to boost early immune defense or to guide safer vaccine or antiviral design.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recently infected with SARS-CoV-2 or willing to donate blood or respiratory samples for COVID-19 research would be the most relevant candidates for related sample-collection efforts or future trials.
Not a fit: Patients without COVID-19 or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to gain direct, immediate benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost the body's early antiviral response or to design antivirals or vaccines that reduce disease severity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work showed that disabling EndoU increases interferon responses and weakens coronavirus replication and disease in cells and animal models, so this builds on promising experimental findings.
Where this research is happening
Maywood, United States
- Loyola University Chicago — Maywood, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Susan C. — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Baker, Susan C.
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.