How the body's interferon defenses block respiratory viruses
Novel antiviral mechanisms of the interferon system
This work looks at how interferon-related proteins stop common respiratory viruses like influenza, RSV, and coronaviruses to help people with viral lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326324 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you get a respiratory virus, this research is trying to learn how your own interferon-driven proteins limit virus growth. In the lab, researchers used a large genetic screen of human genes turned on by interferon to find new antiviral factors and identified a protein called TDRD7. They found TDRD7 stops a virus-helping process called autophagy by blocking the AMPK enzyme, and they test how that affects virus replication in cells and model systems. The goal is to pin down these mechanisms so they can point toward safer, more targeted antiviral approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are at high risk for serious respiratory viral infections such as influenza, RSV, or COVID-19 would be the eventual candidates for therapies that come from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with non-viral lung diseases or infections driven by bacteria or other non-related processes are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that strengthen antiviral defenses or block virus-supporting pathways, possibly reducing the severity of respiratory infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work shows interferon-stimulated genes and autophagy affect viral replication, but identifying TDRD7 as an antiviral mechanism is a novel finding not yet tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chattopadhyay, Saurabh — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Chattopadhyay, Saurabh
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.