Investigating how a specific protein modification helps the immune system fight viruses
Official title: Prenylation in antiviral immunity
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11002723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special process called prenylation helps proteins in our immune system fight off viruses, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments for viral infections that could benefit patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | February 14, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $611,151 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175724-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with viral infections, particularly those affected by coronaviruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral infections or those not affected by the mechanisms of antiviral immunity being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of prenylation, a process that modifies proteins to help them function in the immune response against viruses. By examining how this modification affects proteins involved in antiviral immunity, the researchers aim to uncover new ways that the body can combat viral infections. The study will involve biochemical screenings and analyses to identify how prenylated proteins influence immune signaling and viral control. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new antiviral therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs that enhance the body's immune response to viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of protein modifications in immune responses, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Savan, Ram — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Savan, Ram
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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.