How sugar–fat molecules on gut and airway cells help block viruses and toxins
GLYCOSPHINGOLIPIDS AS SENSORS FOR EPITHELIAL CELL-AUTONOMOUS HOST DEFENSE AT MUCOSAL SURFACES MEDIATED BY DOWN-REGULATION OF THE APICAL ENDOSOME
This project looks at how specific fat–sugar molecules on the surfaces of mucosal cells help those cells detect and block virus and toxin entry to protect the gut and airway linings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11296034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work explores how glycosphingolipids (fat–sugar molecules) on the outer surface of airway and gut lining cells sense when viruses or bacterial toxins bind. In lab-grown human epithelial cells, researchers track how that binding triggers loss of a polarity protein (PARD6B) and down-regulates apical endosome function to stop further entry. They also measure apically directed antiviral signals, including rapid secretion of type III interferon (IFN-λ), and how those signals amplify the cell's defense. The team uses molecular and cellular experiments to map the steps that could be targeted to strengthen mucosal barriers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for mucosal infections of the gut or airways, or patients willing to donate mucosal tissue or samples for laboratory studies, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients whose illnesses are unrelated to mucosal virus/toxin entry mechanisms or who cannot provide tissue/samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to boost the natural barrier of the gut and airways or to new treatments that prevent viruses and toxins from getting into cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have identified parts of this pathway, but translating these findings into patient-facing treatments remains novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lencer, Wayne I — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lencer, Wayne I
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.