Inhibitors that block a viral protein to treat Venezuelan equine encephalitis infection
Official title: Inhibitors of Non-Structural Protein 2 (nsP2) Protease as Therapeutics Against Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus
Funded at University of Alabama in Huntsville · NIH-11427761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher is testing small molecules that block a specific viral protein to prevent and treat alphavirus infections like VEEV, with experiments in cells and mice to see if these compounds stop the virus and protect the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama in Huntsville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntsville, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $747,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201261-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427761 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for alphavirus infections or patients with alphavirus exposure in future clinical settings; the research itself is preclinical but could pave the way for human trials.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage preclinical work may not benefit patients directly until a future trial or approved therapy is available.
What this research studies
This project tests a series of molecules that inhibit a key viral protease (nsP2) to stop replication of VEEV. It uses cell culture assays to measure antiviral activity and studies how the compounds reach and behave in the body, including pharmacokinetics and tolerability in mice. The researchers also explore whether these molecules can protect the blood-brain barrier during infection using an organ-on-a-chip model and animal models to assess efficacy and safety. The ultimate aim is to advance promising compounds toward preclinical development as first-in-class treatments for alphavirus infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new antiviral treatment that prevents or lessens illness from alphavirus infections and protects the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches targeting alphavirus nsP2 protease have shown antiviral activity in cells and animal models, supporting continued development.
Where this research is happening
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University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogungbe, Ifedayo Victor — University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Study coordinator: Ogungbe, Ifedayo Victor
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.