How viruses hijack cell metabolism to infect people
Uncovering and harnessing connected metabolic pathways essential to virus infection.
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO · NIH-11091135
Researchers are exploring whether stopping viruses from using small cell molecules called polyamines can block infections by RNA viruses like chikungunya and others.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MAYWOOD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11091135 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how small cell chemicals called polyamines help RNA viruses enter and multiply inside cells. Scientists will use cell models and biochemical tests to see how polyamines affect virus binding, entry, and genome packaging. They will examine how infected cells change polyamine levels through acetylation and peroxisomal degradation and how those changes affect cell stress responses and survival. The team will also map how polyamines connect with other metabolites like nucleotides, lipids, and cholesterol to find points where blocking the virus might be possible.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by RNA virus infections (for example chikungunya or related alphavirus infections) or those willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with bacterial infections or conditions unrelated to RNA viruses, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than contributing samples, are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new antiviral approaches that block viruses by targeting host cell metabolism rather than the virus itself.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown polyamines are important for replication of diverse RNA viruses, but translating these findings into patient treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
MAYWOOD, UNITED STATES
- LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO — MAYWOOD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOUNCE, BRYAN C — LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: MOUNCE, BRYAN 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.