Investigating how a SARS-CoV-2 protein affects immune response and translation in cells
Official title: Understanding the Molecular Basis of Translation Inhibition by SARS-CoV-2 NSP14 and its Role in SARS-CoV-2 Immune Evasion
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10845458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the COVID-19 virus helps it hide from our immune system, which could lead to new treatments to help our bodies fight the virus better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 22, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $108,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K22AI168257-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10845458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals affected by COVID-19 or those at high risk for severe disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those who have already recovered from COVID-19 may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 14 (NSP14) inhibits the translation of host cellular proteins, which may help the virus evade the immune system. The study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms behind this inhibition, particularly how NSP14 modifies RNA to suppress immune responses. By examining the role of NSP14 in reducing the expression of MHC-I molecules, the research seeks to uncover how this impacts the body's ability to mount an effective immune response against the virus. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new antiviral therapies targeting these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments that enhance the immune response against SARS-CoV-2.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral mechanisms of immune evasion, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Chun Chieh — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Chun Chieh
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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.